Role of Military in the

Politics of Pakistan
INTRODUCTION:
Out of 75 years of Pakistan’s history approximately 33
years ruled by military directly and the remaining years
military remained hegemonic force behind the political
affairs of the country.

The main reason behind the military intervention is the

inefficiency and weakness of political leadership of the
country, which paved the way for the military
involvement in the politics of state. Due to this military
enjoyed a major role in the political affairs of Pakistan.
The Role of Military in Politics:
Military is the most organized and disciplined institution in a
state structure. The Main functions of this institution are two,
i.e.
1. To defend the country from any attack dictated from outside.
2. To support the government in maintaining law and order
within the territorial jurisdiction of the state. It only happens
when government asks for their help. It is generally in emergencies
(natural calamities, accidents or politico- economics crises).
Sometimes while performing the latter function, the military

displaces the political rulers, take over power and becomes

actual sovereign.
Different opinion about Military rule:
There is difference of opinion among the scholars about the
impact of military rule in politics and society. A large number of
scholars said that military’s intervention in politics is a positive
development. It would create necessary conditions for the
protection of liberal democratic institutions and facilitate
economic development, social change and national integration.

However on the other hand, a number of writers are very much

critical of military’s direct or indirect indulgence in politics. A
study, comparing data of 77 third world states during 1966-70,
concluded that the military is not necessary an agent of change.
Its performance in the field of modernization and change was not
very much different from that of civilian regimes. Most of the
states experiencing military coups are poor and developing
nations.
Factors Responsible for the Military
Interventions:
 Early death of Quaid-i- Azam and untimely assassination of Liaquat Ali

Khan left the country with leaders who scrapped to obtain powers of the

government. In doing so, political elite tried to seek and manipulate

support of the weak bureaucracy and string army.

 Bureaucratic personnel like Ghulam Muhammad, Ch. Mohammad Ali and

many others; Sikandar Mirza, Ayub Khan, Azam Khan and other from the

disciplined institution of the military became active political leaders.

 Horse-trading crept in; the price-hike, inflation and unemployment

became a feature of the time. Political Instability created a gap, which

could have been bridged either with bureaucracy or military. As the
bureaucracy was weak, therefore, the ambitious military generals were
tempted to take over to tame the wild forces of politics.

 These factors contribute to disappointment and frustration in society,

which increases hostility of the masses from the government, decreases

the efficiency of the government thereby encouraging political
instability and undermining economic development and social change
to the extent that political leaders find it hard to improve the conditions
of the masses. The brutal circle goes on.
Military & Politics in Pakistan:
Since Pakistan’s inception, the military has taken over four

times: Hassan Askari, Cohen, Ziring, Huntington and a

couple of others have studied and analyzed this phenomenon
and they tried to encompass the phenomenon in Pakistan.
Hasan Askari’s book on Military and Politics in Pakistan has

explained it with the help of different hypothesis in order to

discuss it in a comprehensive way.
Out of 75 years of the existence of Pakistan, approximately 33

years the military remained in power.

Ayub Khan’s Era: The Development of Political System 1958-1969

General Sikandar Mirza, the President of the country

imposed Marshal Law. General Ayub Khan was appointed
as the Chief Marshal Law Administrator on 7th October
1958.

Ayub Khan industrialized the country and formulated

policies to enhance business. The World Bank gave a
positive report regarding economic development.
Democratization also contributed towards politicization
and development of the society.
In the industrial and agriculture sectors GDP was increased to an extent that
McNamara wrote in the World Bank report that if Pakistan would continue with the
same GDP, Pakistan would be in the developed countries of the world within a
decade.
He introduced many steps in the country.
1962 Presidential Constitution
System of basic democracies was introduced.
Controlled Politics
EBDO
Reformation of Conventional Muslim League 1962
Shifting of Capital 1967
Family Law Ordinance 1961
Second Five years Plan 1960-65
This plan gave highest priority to agriculture, industry and science.
This plan increase 20% income and in agriculture sector growth rate increased from
1.43 to 5.1 %.
Sindh Tass Treaty 1960.
Green Revolution
Ayub Khan Era
Industrialization
Export Bonus Voucher Scheme
Construction of Dams
1965 War
Tashkent Declaration
1965 Presidential Election
COP
The political parties who were out-distanced and defeated

formed a coalition and launched agitation politics, the

embedded discontentment and hatred of Bengali, instead of
being removed, became aggravated. Ayub Khan tried to
bridge the gap, but failed.
The military regime could not control the situation and

Ayub Khan was compelled to leave that office. It was a

conception of some analysts that he wanted to handover
authority to the speaker of the National Assembly, but
General Yahyah Khan did not let him do it. He imposed
marshal law and took over the authority.
Yahya Khan Regime 1969-1977
Martial Law Declared
The legal Framework Order
General Election 1970
Civil War in East Pakistan
Fall of Dakkha
Yahya Khan Resigned
Yahya Khan 1969-1971
Martial Law declared
Ayub Khan resigned on 26th March 1969.
Yahya Khan assume power as being the president and CMLA.
General Yahya Khan, after becoming the defecto sovereign,
announced that he would hold elections and would transfer
power to the elected representatives. In order to please the
opposition, he abrogated the constitution, put an end to basic
Democracies dismembered one unit and terminated services of
many bureaucrats.
He introduced Legal Framework Order on March 28th, 1970, the
primary function of which was to provide a set up on which
election code is conducted.
Legal Framework Order 1970
It called for direct elections for a unicameral central
legislature.
The NA would comprised of 300 seats with
proportional representation from East and West
Pakistan.
The NA would stand dissolved if it failed to produce
the constitution within 120 days after its first sitting.
The president, was given power to authenticate amend
or reject the constitution.
General Elections 1970
First General elections for 300 seats of NA were
scheduled for October 1970 but postponed and finally
held in December 07, 1970.
Rift in East and West Pakistan was appeared during
Election campaign.
Awami League (AL) in East Pakistan and PPP in West
Pakistan succeeded in getting majority of seats in the
elections.
AL obtained almost all seats from East Pakistan and was declared

majority party. General Yahyah Khan perhaps wanted to be accepted as

the head of the state and the PPP wished to be the ruling party and

tried to manipulate to keep AL out of power parlor. The democratic

process was blocked as the transfer of power was delayed, which

propagated feelings of distrust.

Consequently, agitational movement started in East Pakistan. The

government made efforts to control the situation through political

tactics and military strategy, but failed. Agitational politics changed

into an independence movement.

Civil War in East Pakistan
The Beginning
Inaugural session of the newly elected National
Assembly was scheduled on 3rd March.
Z.A Bhutto warned his newly elected delegates do not
attend the session.
Due to the pressure from west Pakistan Yahya Khan
postponed the inaugural session.
March 15-24 negotiations between Sheikh Mujeeb and
Z.A Bhutto began at Dhakka which were failed.
Civil War…….
Mujeeb ul Reman demanded transfer of Power.
There were strikes and demonstrations throughout East
Pakistan.
The federal government lost control over East Pakistan.
Mukti Bahinai (Liberation Force)
Was Bengali resistance force from East Pakistan, who fought
against the Pakistani army during Bangladesh Liberation War.
It consisted of Bengali members of Pakistan armed forces and
civilian from East Pakistan.
India provided economic, military and diplomatic support to
East Pakistan.
Operation Searchlight
March 26, 1971 independence of Bangladesh was
announced.
To restore the authority of central govt army
crackdown on East Pakistan.
Dhakka University was special target.
Many leaders of Awami League including Sheikh
Mujeeb was arrested.
Severe violation of Human Rights was observed.
Fall of Dhakka
On November 21 India attack East Pakistan it was to
support Awami League.
India also attacked west Pakistan
On 16 December 1971 Pakistan army surrendered.
Yahya Khan Resigned
Bhutto step in
On 20th December 1971 Yahya Khan resigned.
Power was transferred to Z.A Bhutto who was declared
as a President, Chief Martial Law Administrator, and
Chief of Army Staff.
Mujeeb was declared President of Bangladesh.
General Zia-ul-Haq 1977-88
1977 Elections
Events after Elections
Uprising of Zia-ul-Haq
Islamisation
Soviet Invasion
Effects of Soviet Union
Ojhri camp incidents
1977 Elections
PPP won more seats than Pakistan National Alliance
(PNA).
PNA refused to accept the results
PPP and PNA clash and economic decline.
Destabilized the state.
General Zia-ul-Haq:
General Zia-ul-Haq, one of the most trusted general of
Zulifqar Ali Bhutto, the Prime Minister, wrapped up the
game of civilian politics. He removed the elected
government.

He only suspended the constitution of 1973, promised for

election, but more keenly stated that Pakistan was an
Islamic Republic; therefore, it should have an Islamic
texture and character. He Partly introduced some of the
Islamic injunctions, like Hadood Ordinance; collection of
Zakat and Usher; recognition of Muslim Auquaf and
salaried Ullemas and Maulvis. It was an act of Islamization
as most of the writers believe.
Islamization
Zia ul Haq supported the movement for Islamization
Imposed Zakat and Usher
Hadood Laws and Shariah Benches
Federal Shariat Court
Riba was prohibited
Introduced Islamic punishment for all crimes except
murder
Boost religious parties
Banned political parties
Madrassah Culture
Soviet Invasion
In December 1979 Soviet invaded Afghanistan in order
to prop up the communist govt.
United States pro capitalist bloc supported Afghan
population against USSR.
Pakistan fought proxy war on behalf of America
against USSR in Afghanistan.
Soviet Invasion Effects
Afghan refugees in Pakistan
Talibanization
Introduction of Klashinkov and drug cultures.
Events Occur after Soviet Invasion
Nuclear Program
MRD
Referendum for President
1985 Elections
Non party parliament was introduced.
Muhammad Khan Junejo a Prime Minister.
8th amendment
1985 martial law was lifted but Zia remained President and
Chief of Army staff.
Ojhri Camp Incident
Sectarianism
The only issue that Zia’s government capitalized on was
Afghanistan crisis. He fought proxy war for United States against
Soviet Union in Afghanistan. In this context, he openly or secretly
obtained enormous amount to help Afghan refugees or
Mujahideen; managed to develop nuclear capabilities; save
Pakistan from regional covert designs and managed to get US
grant of 4.02 billion dollars.

Zia's major domestic initiatives included the state's Islamization,

the consolidation of the fledgling nuclear program, and
denationalization and deregulation leading to a revived economy.
His tenure saw the disbanding of the Baloch insurgency, as well as
the condensation of civil and political liberties. His endorsement
of rightwing political party Pakistan Muslim League initiated its
mainstream revival. However, he is most remembered for his
foreign policy; the subsidizing of the Mujahideen movement
during the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Pervaiz Musharraf Coup (1999-
2008)
In October, 1999 senior officers who were loyal to army
chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf detained prime minister
Nawaz Sharif and his ministers after upsetting the Sharif
regime's attempt to dismiss Musharraf and prevent his
plane from landing in Pakistan as he returned from a
visit to Sri Lanka. The reason of his martial law was the
Kargil issue.

He ruled Pakistan as Chief Executive from 1999 to 2001

and as President from 2001 to 2008. Facing
impeachment, he preferred to resign on 18 August 2008.
Major Steps and Events
Referendum 2001
9/11 Event
2002 General Elections
Formation of HEC 2002
Devolution Plan
Earth Quick 2005
Lal Masjid Incident 2007
NRO
PCO
NAB
Unsuccessful Attempts

There have been numerous unsuccessful coup

attempts in Pakistani history. The first noted attempt
was the Rawalpindi Conspiracy in 1949 led by Maj.
Gen. Akbar Khan along with left-wing activists and
sympathetic officers against the government of
Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first prime minister.
In 1980, a plot by Maj. Gen. Tajammul Husain Malik to
assassinate Zia-ul-Haq on Pakistan Day on March 23,
1980 was exposed.
In 1995, a coup attempt against the government of
Benazir Bhutto led by Maj. Gen. Zahirul Islam Abbasi
with the support of Islamic extremists was stopped.
CONCLUSION:
Military intervention in political affairs is the
phenomenon of third world countries, the nations
who have got independence from their colonial
masters. Military being most disciplined and trained
institution often captures power from civilian
leadership. The reasons are enormous.
Most important are the Political instability and
mismanagement of society by the civilian leadership.
Pakistan is also an example of those countries that
have experienced military coups frequently.
General Zia-ul-Haq captures power from Zulifqar Ali Bhutto
in 1977 and imposed Martial Law. The main reason was that
political leadership was failed to decide their affairs by
themselves. After the General elections of 1977 Bhutto was
accused of having rigging at a very larger scale. The
opposition alliance of the county stated a country wise
movement against him. This provided an opportunity to
military to step in. With that military regime of Zia has
started which has ended after his mysteries death in a plane
crash in 1988.
Out of 75 years of Pakistan’s life 33 years the military directly
reined the country. Approximately 5 years were taken by
interim governments (holding of elections and transferring of
powers) and 22 years of the civilian authority. Of these 22 of
years, 11 years the military was indirectly influencing the
country’s politics.