Transitional period to democracy

(2008 – onwards)

Presented By:
Minahil Riaz (007)
Ibrahim Ali Malik (020)
Hafsa Fatima (021)
Mian Khaqan Qasim(027)

Presented to:
Dr. Tahira Parveen
Table of contents:
• Introduction to democracy
• Timeline of Pakistan’s political history
• Martial law - a true crisis
• Democratization and it’s process
• Democracy in the past
• Transition to democracy from 2008 onwards
• Important features of the transition period
• Current situation of democracy
• Opinion for a better democratic state
Introduction to democracy
• Democracy derived from ‘demos’ meaning people and ‘kratos’ meaning power.
• It is basically people’s rule in which people have the authority to deliberate and vote for the
president/ prime minister/ system of government usually by their elected agents or
representatives under free electoral system.

Objective of the presentation

• To enlighten with the historical dynamics of Pakistan’s democratic system of government

• Pakistan’s journey towards a stable democratic state

• To make an understanding of how a well democratic state can be formed

Timeline of the political systems of Pakistan:
• 1947-1958: The country adopted a parliamentary system based on 1935 india act, with a
Governor-General Quaid e Azam as the head of state and a Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan as
the head of government.
• Political and administrative challenges were faced
• Objectives Resolution in 1949, constitutional framework based on Islamic principles.

• 1958-1969: General Ayyub Khan’s martial regime.

Ayyub khan introduced presidential system in 1962 and promulgated a new constitution.
Focused on economic development.

• 1969-1971: General Yahya Khan’s martial law after Ayyub khan resigned.
• His government failed to address political crises.
• Bangladesh emerged as independent state after 1971 war.
• 1970-1977: First general elections held resulting in PPP’s Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto government
• 1970-1977: First general elections held resulting in PPP’s Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto government
Implemented socialist policies, nationalized industries, and initiated land reforms.
• 1977-1988: General Zia-ul-Haq again imposed martial law
1973 constitution--reinstated a parliamentary system and recognized provincial autonomy.
• 1988-1990: Benazir Bhutto from PPP’s came into power
• 1990-1993: PML(N) came into power through Nawaz sharif
• 1993-1997: PPP”s rule
• 1997-1999: Again Nawaz Sharif, elected by national assembly
• 1999-2002: General Pervaiz Musharraf applied martial law
• 2002-2008: Zafarullah Khan Jamali in 2002, Shaukat Aziz in 2004, Musharraf re-elected in2007,
Yousaf Raza Gilani in start of 2008. PPP formed a coalition
government. The 2008 elections marked a return to civilian democracy in Pakistan.
 Marshal Law
• What is Marshal Law?
• Opposition to Democracy.
• Temporary imposition of military control over a region or
country by a government.
• Military has increased powers, such as enforcing curfews,
limiting civil liberties, and suppressing civil unrest or perceived
threats to national security.
• Marshal Laws in Pakistan:
• General Ayub Khan(1958-1969)
• General Yahya Khan(1969-1971)
• General Zia Ul Haq(1977-1988)
• General Parvez Musharraf(1999-2008)
 Martial law effect on democracy
Ayyub khan’s regime (1958-1969)
• Concentration of power
• Suppression of political opposition
• Limited Political Participation
• Basic democracatic system
• Economic growth over democratic principles
• Rise of civil society movements
• Legacies of authoritianism

• Outcome: There was considerable economic growth under

Ayyub Khan's administration yet there was social unrest,
discontentment and a growing demand for return to civilian
control, which ultimately led to the fall of his regime
Yahya Khan’s regime (1969-1971)
• Suspension of the constitution
• Regression of political parties and leaders
• Centralization of power
• Suppression of regional autonomy
• Flawed elections and political manipulation
• Weakening of democratic institutions

• Outcome: Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, later

resulting in disintegration of Pakistan into Pakistan and
Bangladesh.
• Yahya khan regime included democratic un rest, political
instability, ethnic and regional conflicts.
Zia ul Haq's regime (1977-1988)
• Curtailment of civil liberties
• Islamization policies
• Weakening of democratic institutions
• Islamization of the legal system
• Legacy of authoritarianism
• Outcome:
Pervez Musharraf’s Regime (1999-
2008)
• Suspension of constitution
• Curbing civil liberties
• Undermining of the judiciary
• Reconstructing of political
institutions
• Suppression of political opposition
• Impact on human rights
• Erosion of democratic norms
• Outcome:
Democratization:
Elements for Democratization

• Transition from authoritarian rule

• Constitutional Reforms
• Free and fair elections
• Rule of law and human rights
• Civil Society and participation
• Political Party Development
• Accountability and Transperancy
• Strenghtening Democratic Institutions
• Civic Education and Public Engagement
 Democracy In Past
• Pakistan adopted democratic system after independence from british rule in 1947.
• First democratic elections held in 1970 and People’s Party emerged as largest party.
• The military intervened in 1977, leading to a period of military rule under General Muhammad
Zia-ul-Haq.
• General Zia's regime lasted until his death in a plane crash in 1988.
• Democratic elections were held in 1988, and the Pakistan People's Party, under the leadership
of Benazir Bhutto, came to power.
• Establishment and consolidation of democracy in Pakistan have been a complex and evolving
process, involving various political leaders, parties, and institutions over the years.
Transition to democracy from2008-onwards:
2008:
o Musharraf’s resignation due to protests
o General elections and Asif Ali Zardari coalition government
o Restoration of judiciary

2009:
o PPP in government
o Political instability and security issues characterized the year 2009.
o Terrorism, economic and governance issues
o Fight with Taliban in swat valley threatened the stability of Pakistan.

2010:
o Terrible floods in Pakistan handled not properly by government
o Public anger resulted from concerns about corruption and poor government.
o Court involved in investigating political figure’s cases.
2011:
• Civil-military relations suffered during the year,due to memogate controversy.
• Memogate controversy, administration created document requesting America’s help
• Supreme court’s case hearing resulting in stronger relation between executive and judicial
branches
2013 :
• Major democratic change by general elections
• PML(n) came into power
• PTI and PAT’s political protests dominated the year
• Protests put administration under pressure to make electoral changes
2018:
• PTI led by Imran Khan won general elections
• Allegations of irregularity but proved false
• Coalition government formed
• Faced criticism in 2019-2020 for poor governance and economic decline
• Covid 19 recovery challenges and economic recover while opposing parties created anxiety.
2019-2020:
o Government faced criticism due to poor governance and economic difficulties.
o Protests by oppositions for justice and good government
o Faced criticism for limiting journalism freedom and crushing opposing views.
2021
Government to manage COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.
Notable features that helped transition to
democracy:

• General elections like that of 2008 and 2013 and 18

• Formation of coalition governments that made opposing views work together resulting in
repression and opposition free systems
• Constitutional reforms like the18th amendment giving authority to provinces, judiciary and fair
electoral reforms, elimination of dictatorial sections etc.
• Balochistan reconciliation that helped resolve security and inequality issues, and gave federal
administration authority to Baluchistan as well
• Judicial activism that involved supreme court activeness in defending constitution, fight
corruption and encourage openness
• Role of media, citizens and good civil military relations
Current situation of democracy;
• Democracy of Pakistan was stable till 2022 until the
existing prime minister was coercively removed from
power which resulted in de facto government and
after a year the government is still de facto, with a lot
of military intervention.
• The existing government of Pakistan (PDM) is against
constitution and democratic principles.
• General elections are scheduled to be held in Pakistan
on 13 August 2023
My opinion regarding strengthening the democracy
• Independent democratic institutions.
• Strong actions against corruption.
• Improve rule of law, accountability.
• Political participation encouraged.
• Active citizenship, liberty of participation, voting, rights, disagreement, public speech, media
coverage etc.
Questions from your side will be appreciated ….