# Political Development in Pakistan After independence, **Quaid-i-Azam (RA)** was appointed as the first **Governor General** of Pakistan while **Liaquat Ali Khan** was elected as the first **Prime Minister** of the country. Quaid-i-Azam (RA) wanted to see Pakistan as a democratic country based on social and economic justice. He desired to run the affairs of Pakistan according to the golden principles of Islam. Pakistan was unfortunate that its founding father died on **11 September 1948**, just thirteen months after its birth. After the birth of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam (RA) guided his nation and took practical measures to resolve issues which Pakistan had faced. Had he survived for a few more years, he could have resolved many problems faced by Pakistan. Unfortunately, our nation's beloved leader died on 11 September 1948. He, however, guided the State in important matters and took practical measures to resolve key issues. Here is a brief overview of Quaid-i-Azam (RA) vision of Pakistan and his services as Governor General. ## Do you Know? > **Quaid's Illness:** Quaid had tuberculosis and lung cancer, which was in its last stages. Quaid became aware of his fatal disease when he was vigorously launching the freedom movement. He kept his condition secret so that his political opponents could not learn it because they might adopt tactics to delay the partition. **Lord Mountbatten** once remarked that had they been aware of the true nature of Quaid's illness, they would have delayed partition for some time and Pakistan might not have come into existence. ## Services of Quaid-e-Azam as Governor General ### Rehabilitation of Refugees Quaid-i-Azam (RA) had focused to rehabilitate **6.5 million refugees** who came from India. He established a **"Refugee Fund"** and appealed to people to contribute to it. The people supported the Refugees and generously contributed to the fund. Quaid-i-Azam (RA) also established the ministry for the rehabilitation of migrants and personally oversaw the work which was carried out for the rehabilitation of refugees. Quaid encouraged the local people to support the migrants and considered them their brethren. Thanks to the efforts of the government and generosity of people, the settlement of refugees took place within a short span of time. ### Steps Towards Constitution Making Quaid was elected the first president of the Constituent Assembly on **11 August 1947**. As there was no constitution, the **Government of India Act of 1935**, with slight amendments, was adopted as the interim constitution. Meanwhile, Quaid guided the Constituent Assembly and tasked it with drafting the constitution that would reflect the aspirations and needs of the people. Quaid made it clear that the constitution would be based on the principles of Islam and democracy. He also made it clear that both Muslim and non-Muslim citizens would enjoy equal rights, and no discrimination would be made on the basis of religion. ### Inauguration of State Bank Quaid-i-Azam (RA) inaugurated the **State Bank of Pakistan** on **1 July 1948** to overcome the economic problems of Pakistan. He appointed an able economist, **Zahid Hussain**, as the first Governor of the State Bank. During his speech at the time of the inauguration ceremony of the State Bank of Pakistan, he told the nation about the future structure of the economy. Quaid elaborated: > "The economic system of the West has created almost insoluble problems for humanity, and to many of us it appears that only a miracle can save it from disaster that is now facing the world.... The Western world, in spite of its advantages of mechanization and industrial efficiency is today in a worse mess than ever before in history. ...We must work our destiny in our own way and present to the world an economic system based on true Islamic concept of equality of manhood and social justice." ### Guidance for the Public Servants The public servants during the British Raj considered the local people inferior. They had been trained in such a manner as they were the masters of the people. Quaid-i-Azam (RA) instructed the public servants to change their attitude because now they are the servants of an independent nation. Moreover, he asked them to refrain from politics. ### Advice to Students On the request of Quaid-i-Azam (RA), students played an active role in the freedom movement. But after the establishment of Pakistan, Quaid advised the students to refrain from politics because now they had achieved their objective. He advised them to use their energy in acquiring education. ### Eradication of Provincialism Quaid was so visionary that he anticipated provincialism and racialism as the big threats to the integrity of Pakistan. From the beginning, he warned people about these threats and advised them to promote in themselves the feelings of oneness. During his address on **15 June 1948**, Quaid said: > "So long as we are united, we will emerge victorious and strong. If we are not united, we shall become weak and disgraced. We are all Pakistanis. None of us is Punjabi, Sindhi, Baloch, Pathan or Bengali. We must feel, behave, and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else." ### Guiding Principles of the Foreign Policy Quaid-i-Azam (RA) provided the guiding principles for shaping the foreign policy of Pakistan. He focused to adopt the policy of **non-alignment** and stressed to establish cordial relations with Muslim countries in particular and other countries of the world in general. Following the instructions of Quaid, Pakistan opened its embassies and missions in several countries of the world. The talented people were appointed as ambassadors, and they were advised to work hard and to portray the soft image of the country. Due to Quaid's efforts, Pakistan also secured the membership of the **United Nations** on **30 September 1947**. ## Services of Liaquat Ali Khan After the death of the founding father, the responsibility to lead the country fell over the shoulders of **Liaquat Ali Khan**. A trusted friend of Quaid-i-Azam (RA), Liaquat Ali Khan worked as secretary general of the All India Muslim League for many years. He also served as Finance Minister in United India. Liaquat Ali Khan was a visionary person and had administrative experience of running the country's affairs. Liaquat Ali Khan led the nation with devotion and wisdom. He tried to resolve the problems which Pakistan was facing. * He successfully got the **Objectives Resolution** passed by the Constituent Assembly which later became the guiding principle for all future constitutions. * He signed an agreement with his counterpart in India to address the issues of migrants. The **Liaquat-Nehru agreement** had brought a sigh of relief for migrants. * He worked to address the economic and security-related challenges. He toured the United States of America to seek aid to improve the economic and security situation. The US pledged assistance to help Pakistan to overcome the economic crisis. Liaquat Ali Khan put the country on the path to progress and solidarity but unfortunately, this great leader was assassinated on **16 October 1951** while addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi. *Liaquat Ali Khan* > His last words were **"May God protect Pakistan."** ## Political Instability Pakistan experienced political instability after the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan. Internal fighting and splits occurred between the leadership of the Muslim League. Due to the incompetence, selfishness, and opportunism of political leadership, the **civil bureaucracy** began to dominate the political landscape and occupied key positions. **Key Statistics:** From 16 October 1951 to 7 October 1958, **seven prime ministers** of Pakistan had been driven out from office. In comparison, India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru remained in office from 1947 to 1964. * **Khawaja Nazimuddin:** After Liaquat Ali Khan's assassination, Khawaja Nazimuddin (previously Governor General) became Prime Minister. * **Ghulam Muhammad:** A civil bureaucrat appointed as Governor General. He dismissed Khawaja Nazimuddin on **17 April 1953**. * **Muhammad Ali Bogra:** Appointed as the new Prime Minister despite not being a member of the constituent assembly. * **Dissolution of Assembly:** On **24 October 1954**, Ghulam Muhammad dissolved the constituent assembly when it tried to reduce the powers of the Governor General, further delaying constitution-making. * **Iskandar Mirza:** In 1955, he replaced the ailing Ghulam Muhammad and removed Muhammad Ali Bogra. **One Unit Scheme:** The issue of distribution of power and resources between East and West Pakistan intensified. East Pakistan was a homogeneous province (56% of the population), while West Pakistan was divided into different units. To address this, in **1955**, the status of all provinces of West Pakistan was ended and **One Unit** was established. **First Constitution (1956):** Promulgated during the tenure of **Chaudhry Muhammad Ali**. The office of Governor General was replaced with the President. **Iskandar Mirza** became the first President of Pakistan. The constitution empowered the president to enforce emergency, a power periodically misused. * **Political Chaos:** Chaudhry Muhammad Ali resigned on 8 September 1956. **Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy** succeeded him but was forced to resign by Iskandar Mirza. **Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar** followed with a tenure of less than two months. The seventh prime minister, **Feroze Khan Noon**, was dismissed when the president abrogated the constitution and imposed martial law. ## Ayub Khan Era (1958-1969) After the declaration of martial law on **7 October 1958**, President Iskander Mirza appointed **Ayub Khan**, the then Commander-in-Chief of Pakistan army, as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Iskander Mirza soon realized he had become powerless and started conspiring against Ayub Khan. On **27 October 1958**, Iskander Mirza was forced to resign, and Muhammad Ayub Khan became the president of the country. *General Ayub Khan* ### Ban On Political Activities Ayub Khan was against political parties, believing they divided people and acted against national interests. He promulgated the **Elective Bodies Disqualification Order (EBDO)** and **Public Office Disqualification Order (PODO)** to keep politicians away from politics. Believing the public was politically immature for universal suffrage, he introduced the **Basic Democracy System** in 1959. * The people chose **80,000 representatives** known as **BD Members**. * These members formed the electoral college for the president and legislatures. * Ayub replaced the parliamentary system with a presidential form of government via the **Constitution of 1962**. ### Economic Policy Ayub Khan's economic policy was highly successful, often referred to as the "Decade of Development." * **Industrialization:** Focused on industries and encouraged private investment. * **Land Reforms:** Fixed maximum holdings at **500 acres** of irrigated land and **1000 acres** of unirrigated land. * **Green Revolution:** Introduced modern machinery and tools, rapidly increasing crop production. * **Infrastructure:** Constructed **Warsak** and **Tarbela Dams** for energy and irrigation. * **Second Five-Year Plan (1960-1965):** The most successful plan in Pakistan's history, exceeding fixed targets. ### Presidential Elections Held in **January 1965**. **Miss Fatima Jinnah**, sister of Quaid-e-Azam, was the candidate against Ayub Khan. Despite a defamation campaign against her, she remained popular. However, Ayub Khan won because voting rights were restricted to the 80,000 Basic Democrats. ### War of 1965 War broke out on **06 September 1965** over the Kashmir issue. * **Rann of Kutch:** Tension began in April 1965 here; Pakistan's position was strong, but Ayub agreed to a ceasefire. * **Kashmir:** India arrested Muslim leadership in Kashmir in May 1965. Pakistan sent volunteers to support Kashmiris. * **The War:** India attacked the international border. * **Lahore:** Indian attempts to capture Lahore failed; **Major Aziz Bhatti** defended the BRB Canal with valour. * **Sialkot/Chiwanda:** The biggest tank battle since WWII was fought here, resulting in Indian defeat. * **Air Force:** PAF shot down **75 Indian aircraft** for the loss of 19 of its own. * **Outcome:** Pakistan occupied 650 km² of Indian territory. **Tashkent Declaration:** The UN passed a ceasefire resolution on 20 September, accepted on 22 September. The USSR mediated talks in Tashkent. The **Tashkent Declaration** was signed in **January 1966**, providing for troop withdrawal to pre-war positions. ### Downfall of Ayub Khan The public rejected the Tashkent Accord, feeling the war was won on the battlefield but lost at the table. **Zulfikar Ali Bhutto**, the foreign minister, resigned and started a movement against Ayub Khan. Faced with mounting public pressure and protests, Ayub Khan resigned on **25 March 1969**. ## Yahya Khan Era (1969-1971) Ayub Khan transferred power to **General Yahya Khan**, Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Yahya imposed martial law but promised elections. * **Legal Framework Order (LFO):** Issued in March 1970. Envisaged **313 seats** for the National Assembly, abolished One Unit, and allowed universal adult franchise. * **Elections:** Two major parties contested: 1. **Awami League:** Led by **Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman**. Campaign based on **Six Points** (maximum provincial autonomy). 2. **Pakistan People's Party (PPP):** Led by **Zulfikar Ali Bhutto**. Slogan: *"Roti, Kapra aur Makan"* (Bread, Clothes, and Shelter). **Election Results (December 1970):** * **Awami League:** Won **160/162** seats in East Pakistan (landslide), but 0 in West Pakistan. * **PPP:** Won **81** seats, all in West Pakistan. **The Crisis:** Yahya called the Assembly to convene in Dhaka on 3 March 1971. Bhutto boycotted, demanding power-sharing. On **2 March 1971**, Yahya postponed the session. The Awami League launched a civil disobedience movement. Negotiations in mid-March failed as Mujeeb refused to compromise on the Six Points. **Operation Searchlight:** On **24 March 1971**, Yahya ordered a military operation. While **General Tikka Khan** restored order in urban areas, the harsh operation alienated the population. *General Yahya Khan* ## War of 1971 India seized the opportunity to avenge the 1965 war by supporting Bengali separatists, who formed the **"Mukti Bahini"** (terrorist organization). India trained and financed them to wage guerilla war. * **Indian Intervention:** India directly intervened on 21 November 1971 and declared open war on **03 December 1971**. * **Pakistani Position:** Troops in East Pakistan were outnumbered (less than 50,000 regulars vs 20x Indian troops + Mukti Bahini), short on supplies, and surrounded by a hostile population. * **Fall of Dhaka:** On **16 December 1971**, **General Niazi** agreed to a ceasefire to prevent the annihilation of soldiers and civilian casualties. ## Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Era (1971-1977) After the fall of Dhaka, Yahya Khan stepped down, and **Zulfikar Ali Bhutto** took power. * **Constitution of 1973:** Distinct because it was unanimously passed by the assembly. * **Simla Agreement (1972):** Signed with India to retrieve occupied territories. * **Delhi Agreement (1974):** Ensured the return of Prisoners of War (POWs). * **Foreign Policy:** Left the Commonwealth and repealed defense pacts with the US. * **Nationalization:** Nationalized heavy industries, banking, and education sectors (policy had mixed/negative economic impacts). * **Nuclear Programme:** Bhutto is the **father of the nuclear programme**. After India's 1974 tests, he famously declared: *"We would eat grass, even go hungry, but achieve nuclear capability."* He invited **Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan** to lead the effort. *Zulfikar Ali Bhutto* **Criticism:** Bhutto was intolerant of opposition. He dismissed the Balochistan government (Sardar Atta Ullah Khan Mengal), ordered a military operation in Balochistan, and incarcerated political opponents. ## Downfall of Bhutto Bhutto called for early elections on **7 March 1977**. * **PNA Alliance:** Nine parties formed the **Pakistan National Alliance (PNA)**. * **Results:** PPP won 156/200 seats; PNA won only 36. * **Protests:** PNA alleged massive rigging and launched violent protests. * **Martial Law:** On **5 July 1977**, **General Zia-ul-Haq** dismissed Bhutto's government and imposed martial law. ## General Zia-ul-Haq's Regime (1977-1988) Zia promised elections within 90 days but postponed them, arguing for "accountability first" and Islamisation. * **Bhutto's Execution:** Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed on **4 April 1979**. *General Zia-ul-Haq* ### Islamisation under Zia * **Hadood Ordinance:** Prescribed Islamic punishments for theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption. * **Federal Shariat Court (1980):** Established to decide if laws were Islamic. * **Other Reforms:** Media reforms, encouragement of prayers, and appointment of Ulema in the army. Critics argued Zia used Islam to legitimize his rule. ### Soviet-Afghan War (1979) In **1979**, the USSR invaded Afghanistan. Zia's government supported the Afghan resistance. * **US Involvement:** The US provided economic and military aid to Pakistan to fight the Soviets (their Cold War enemy). * **Victory:** The USSR withdrew in **1989** following the **Geneva Convention**. * **Consequences for Pakistan:** Influx of refugees, flow of arms, and the development of the drug trade. ### Restoration of Democracy * **1985 Elections:** Held on a non-party basis. **Muhammad Khan Junejo** became Prime Minister. * **8th Amendment:** Passed to validate Zia's rule and lift martial law (30 Dec 1985). Included **Article 58 (2)(b)**, empowering the president to dissolve the assembly. * **Dismissal:** Zia dismissed Junejo in 1988 using Article 58 (2)(b). * **Death:** Zia died in a plane crash on **17 August 1988**. ## Democratic Era (1988-1999) After Zia's death, **Ghulam Ishaq Khan** became Acting President and **General Aslam Baig** became Army Chief. * **1988 Elections:** **Benazir Bhutto** (PPP) was elected Prime Minister at age 35—the first woman PM of the Muslim world. * **Instability:** The era was marked by the President using Article 58 (2)(b) to dissolve assemblies, preventing governments from completing their tenures. ### Benazir's 2nd Term Returned to power in **October 1993**. * **President:** Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari (PPP member) was elected President. * **Policies:** Agreement with **IMF**, Polio eradication, operation in Sindh for law and order. * **Dismissal:** Despite being her party member, President Leghari dismissed her government in **November 1996** due to corruption allegations and conflict with the judiciary. ### Nawaz Sharif's 2nd Term Elected in **February 1997** with a 2/3 majority. * **Constitutional Amendments:** Removed the President's power to dismiss the PM (Article 58-2b). * **Judiciary Conflict:** Conflict with Chief Justice **Sajjad Ali Shah**, leading to the CJ's dismissal. * **Nuclear Tests:** On **28 May 1998**, Pakistan conducted atomic explosions in response to India, officially becoming a nuclear power. * **Infrastructure:** Built the **M-2 Motorway** (Lahore to Islamabad). ### Kargil War (1999) In **May 1999**, conflict erupted in Kargil. US intervention led to a withdrawal in July 1999. * **The Coup:** A rift developed between Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief **Pervez Musharraf**. On **12 October 1999**, Sharif tried to remove Musharraf. The military retaliated, toppling the government. ## Musharraf Era (1999-2008) Musharraf suspended the constitution and ruled as Chief Executive. * **Legitimacy via 9/11:** After the **11 September 2001** attacks, Pakistan became a frontline state in the US **"War on Terror,"** granting Musharraf international support. * **2002 Elections:** **PML-Q** (King's Party) formed the government. * **Internal Conflict:** Military operations in Balochistan (death of **Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti**) and rising terrorism. * **Judiciary Crisis:** On **9 March 2007**, Musharraf suspended Chief Justice **Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry**, sparking the Lawyers' Movement. * **Downfall:** The **Lal Masjid operation** and the assassination of **Benazir Bhutto** (27 December 2007) severely damaged his standing. He resigned in 2008. *Gen. Pervez Musharraf* ## PPP's Government (2008-2013) * **Leadership:** **Yousaf Raza Gilani** (PM) and **Asif Ali Zardari** (President). * **Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP):** launched to help the poor. * **7th NFC Award (2009):** Increased provincial fiscal share to **57.5%**. * **18th Amendment (2010):** Restored the 1973 Constitution to its original form, increasing provincial autonomy and removing the President's dissolution powers. * **Challenges:** High inflation and slow GDP growth (3%). *Asif Ali Zardari & Yousuf Raza Gilani* ## PML-N Era (2013-2018) **Nawaz Sharif** became PM for the third time. * **CPEC:** Launched the **China-Pakistan Economic Corridor**, attracting **$46 billion** (later increased) in investment to modernize infrastructure and energy. * **Opposition:** Faced the 2014 "Dharna" (sit-in) by **PTI** (Imran Khan) and PAT. * **APS Attack:** The horrific attack on **Army Public School Peshawar** (Dec 2014) led to a unified National Action Plan against terrorism. * **Panama Papers:** Nawaz Sharif was convicted and disqualified by the Supreme Court in **2017**. **Shahid Khaqan Abbasi** completed the term. *Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi* ## Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Government (2018-2022) **Imran Khan** elected PM in **July 2018**. * **Challenges:** Balance of payments crisis and high inflation. * **COVID-19:** The government, with military aid, skilfully handled the pandemic in 2020. * **PDM:** Opposition formed the **Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)**. * **Removal:** In **April 2022**, Imran Khan was removed via a **Vote of No-Confidence** (the first in Pakistan's history). **Shehbaz Sharif** became PM. *Dr. Arif Alvi* ### Interim & Current Setup * **Interim Govt:** **Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar** served as caretaker PM. * **2024 Elections:** Held in February 2024. A coalition government was formed with **Shehbaz Sharif** as PM and **Asif Ali Zardari** as President. ## Pakistan- India War of 2025 On **6 May 2025**, Indian forces launched an attack on Pakistan, falsely accusing it of being involved in a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan denied the allegations, but India continued aggression on **7 May 2025**. * **Pakistan's Response:** The Armed Forces destroyed several Indian military posts. * **Air Battle:** The Pakistan Air Force shot down multiple Indian jets, including four **Rafale jets**, proving the superiority of the PAF. * **Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos:** Launched by Pakistan on **10 May 2025**. PAF targeted 26 strategic locations including Indian air bases. * **Ceasefire:** After suffering heavy losses, India asked for peace. Following requests from **U.S. President Donald Trump**, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. * **Field Marshal:** Due to the outstanding performance of the Pakistan Army, **General Asim Munir** was promoted to the rank of **Field Marshal**—a proud moment for the entire nation.