Pakistan Peoples Party

2008-2013
Introduction
• In the elections held on February 18, Pakistan Peoples Party gained majority and
was able to form the government.

• The party had already lost its leader, Benazir Bhutto. Yousuf Raza Gilani was
elected as the prime minister.

• In 2008, General Pervez Musharraf was forced to resign from the presidency and
new presidential elections were held.
Political Developments Under PPP
• 1-Aaghaz-e-Tahaffuz Haqooq-e-Balochistan
The parliament passed a unanimous resolution to end disparity and sense of
deprivation in Balochistan.
The project included construction of dams, infrastructure such as roads, offering of
scholarships to students from Balochistan in universities in Punjab and the federal
capital.

The project however was not implemented in full because of lack of funds
Passage of 18th Amendment
• Peoples Party is given the credit of passing the historic 18th constitutional
amendment
The amendment promised the following
•Granting of provincial autonomy by handing over key subjects such as education,
health, environment to the provinces.
•Reducing powers of the president by abolishing article 58 2(b) in the constitution
•Parliament to be in-charge of the appointment of the judges of the supreme court.
Continued…
• Social Security nets through Benazir Income Support Program

•Pro women Legislation

•Passage of Bill against Harassment at Workplace
 Foreign Policy
•Pakistan was able to form an independent foreign policy.
•Pakistan although continued to offer its support to United States in the war on terror, yet
Pakistan also inculcated relations with Russia. President Zardari paid a visit to Russia.

•The relations with India were improved as Pakistan granted Most favoured Nation (MFN)
status to India.

•Pakistan initiated work on Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline despite US pressure against it.
•The killing of Osama Bin Laden in Abbotabad brought a new low in Pakistan US relations
Troubles faced by PPP
•The Memo gate scandal and the judicial crises

•Load shedding and the mismanagement with power supplies

•Corruption
Questions

•In what ways, Pakistan Peoples Party was able to make an independent foreign
policy?
•Why is 18th amendment important in the history of Pakistan?