XII. POLITICAL EVOLUTION SINCE 1971 | PAKISTAN AFFAIRS | CSS EXAM | CSS PMS TIMES
Introduction
The political history of Pakistan since its creation in 1947 has been characterized by instability, frequent changes in government, and a shifting balance of power between civilian and military rulers. The year 1971, which saw the secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), was a pivotal moment in the country’s political evolution. Since then, Pakistan has undergone significant changes in its political landscape, with shifts in governance, policy directions, and regional relationships. The trajectory of Pakistan’s political evolution post-1971 can be examined through the lens of major events, political ideologies, military interventions, and the rise of democracy.
1. The Aftermath of 1971 and the Rise of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
The year 1971 was a turning point for Pakistan. The secession of East Pakistan was a blow to the country’s territorial integrity, and the subsequent war with India led to the creation of Bangladesh. This event caused a profound crisis in Pakistan’s national identity and political psyche. Following the war, Pakistan was in need of political and economic reconstruction. In this context, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto emerged as a charismatic leader who was committed to restoring Pakistan’s political stability.
Bhutto’s political ideology was rooted in socialism, and he sought to establish a system that emphasized economic equality, nationalization of key industries, and reforms in the agricultural sector. Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) gained a significant following, and he became the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1973 after the passage of a new constitution that established Pakistan as a parliamentary democracy.
However, Bhutto’s tenure was marked by authoritarian tendencies, including the suppression of political opposition and the centralization of power in the hands of the PPP. His policies were controversial, and his economic reforms faced significant opposition from both the military and the business elite. In 1977, a military coup, led by General Zia-ul-Haq, overthrew Bhutto’s government, marking the beginning of a long period of military rule in Pakistan.
2. General Zia-ul-Haq and the Military Rule (1977-1988)
The military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq had a profound impact on Pakistan’s political system. Zia came to power after the coup in 1977, following allegations of electoral fraud in the general elections. His rule was marked by the imposition of martial law, suspension of political parties, and a crackdown on dissent. Zia sought to legitimize his regime by appealing to Islamic principles and introducing Islamization policies, which included the implementation of Hudood Ordinances, the establishment of Sharia courts, and the introduction of Islamic banking.
Zia’s policies had significant political and social consequences. On the one hand, his regime consolidated military power, and he maintained a tight grip on governance through patronage networks and support from the military. On the other hand, Zia’s focus on Islamic orthodoxy alienated secular sections of Pakistani society, which had long been a hallmark of Pakistan’s political establishment.
Zia’s regime also coincided with the Afghan-Soviet war (1979-1989), during which Pakistan became a frontline state in the global struggle against communism. The United States provided significant military and financial aid to Pakistan in support of the Afghan mujahideen. This not only strengthened Pakistan’s military position but also increased the role of religious and militant groups in Pakistan’s politics. The legacy of these policies would later become a source of instability in the country, as the rise of militant Islamists during and after Zia’s rule contributed to domestic and regional security challenges.
3. The Return of Democracy: Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif
Following Zia-ul-Haq’s sudden death in a plane crash in 1988, Pakistan returned to democratic rule with the general elections of that year. Benazir Bhutto, the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading the PPP to a major electoral victory. Benazir Bhutto’s tenure was initially seen as a new beginning for Pakistan’s democracy, but it was also marked by significant challenges. Her government faced corruption charges, political infighting, and a strained relationship with the military. Despite efforts to introduce economic reforms, her time in office was short-lived. She was dismissed in 1990 by then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan on charges of corruption, leading to a period of political instability.
In the 1990s, Pakistan’s politics was dominated by a rivalry between Benazir Bhutto’s PPP and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Nawaz Sharif’s rise to power marked a shift towards conservative economic policies and a focus on privatization and liberalization of the economy. Sharif’s first tenure as Prime Minister (1990-1993) was marred by political instability, which culminated in his resignation after a power struggle with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.
In 1997, Nawaz Sharif returned to power with a landslide victory in the general elections. During his second tenure, Sharif sought to implement further economic liberalization, strengthen Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, and assert Pakistan’s sovereignty in the face of external pressures. However, his government faced increasing tension with the military, particularly over issues related to foreign policy and the nuclear weapons program. In 1999, Nawaz Sharif was ousted in a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf, further solidifying the military’s role in Pakistan’s political system.
4. General Pervez Musharraf and the Military’s Return to Power (1999-2008)
General Pervez Musharraf’s ascension to power in 1999 marked the beginning of another period of military rule in Pakistan. Musharraf justified the coup as necessary to stabilize the country and combat corruption. His regime was initially welcomed by many Pakistanis due to the economic reforms implemented during the early years of his rule, which brought relative stability and growth. Musharraf’s government also saw Pakistan’s strategic alignment with the United States after the 9/11 attacks, as Pakistan became a key ally in the U.S.-led War on Terror.
Despite the initial optimism, Musharraf’s rule increasingly became authoritarian. He suspended the constitution in 2007, dismissed the judiciary, and faced growing opposition from political parties and civil society. His rule also became controversial due to his role in the war on terror, which led to significant internal conflicts and the rise of militant groups. In 2008, Musharraf resigned under pressure from political forces, and Pakistan once again returned to democratic rule.
5. The Return of Democracy: PPP and PML-N
The return of democracy in 2008 saw the PPP, under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto’s widower, Asif Ali Zardari, take power. Zardari’s tenure as President (2008-2013) was marked by economic difficulties, political gridlock, and continued tensions with the military. The PPP’s government faced criticism for its handling of Pakistan’s security situation and for being unable to tackle corruption and governance issues effectively.
In 2013, Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N returned to power after a decisive electoral victory. Nawaz Sharif’s third term as Prime Minister (2013-2017) focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and nuclear security. However, his government faced mounting opposition from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which accused the ruling elite of corruption and mismanagement.
6. The Rise of Imran Khan and PTI
The political landscape of Pakistan underwent another significant shift in 2018 with the rise of Imran Khan’s PTI. Imran Khan’s campaign was focused on anti-corruption and reforming Pakistan’s political system. PTI’s victory in the 2018 elections marked a new chapter in Pakistan’s political history, as it brought a party with no previous experience in government to power. Imran Khan’s tenure has been characterized by a focus on economic reforms, reducing corruption, and balancing relations with Pakistan’s global partners.
However, his government has faced challenges, including economic instability, political polarization, and tensions with the opposition parties. Imran Khan’s policies, particularly his handling of the economy and foreign policy, have sparked debate about his government’s effectiveness.
7. Conclusion
Pakistan’s political evolution since 1971 has been marked by dramatic shifts between military and civilian rule, the rise of political parties, and significant changes in governance. The country has struggled with political instability, but each phase has left its imprint on Pakistan’s political identity. The political landscape remains dynamic, with power continuously shifting between political parties and the military. As Pakistan continues to evolve politically, it faces numerous challenges, including economic instability, security threats, and political polarization. The future of Pakistan’s democracy will depend on the ability of its leaders to build consensus, tackle corruption, and address the diverse needs of its people.
