After the British left, Pakistan reverted to pre-colonial modes of governance, undermining democratic institutions. The 1949 Objective Resolution created confusion over state sovereignty.
Political leaders failed to establish a credible election machinery, resulting in rigged elections and delayed constitution formulation, allowing Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad to establish a hybrid regime in 1953. Ayub Khan's military dictatorship (1958-1969) saw economic progress but alienated East Pakistan and failed constitutionally. Yahya Khan's rule led to a civil war and East Pakistan's secession.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government achieved the 1973 Constitution and federal parliamentary democracy, but was tyrannical and repressive, leading to further instability. General Zia-ul-Haq's 1977 dictatorship used Islam to consolidate power, entrenched religious actors in politics, and survived for as long as it did due to the US support it received during the Soviet-Afghan War. The legacy of Zia's policies continue to influence Pakistani politics today.
#IlhanNiaz #Pakistan #history #NewWaveHistory #independence #partition #Pakistanstate #pakistanpolitics #historyofpakistan
1 окт 2024
