Politics in Pakistan Since 1971 and Civil

Military Relations

Pakistan Studies & Global Perspective

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 Contents
 The ZA Bhutto Era
 The Zia ul Haq Era
 The Benazir Bhutto Era 1988
 The Nawaz Era1990
 The Benzair Bhutto Era 1993
 The Nawaz Era 1997
 The Musharraf and PML Q Era
 The Zardari Era 2008
 The Nawaz Era 2013
 The Imran Khan Era 2018
 The PDM Era 2022-2025

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 The Era of ZA Bhutto
 1970: General elections held in Pakistan on December 7, 1970.
 1971: East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) demands greater
autonomy, leading to civil unrest and protests.
 March 25, 1971: Pakistani military launches Operation
Searchlight, a crackdown against Bengali nationalists in East
Pakistan.
 December 16, 1971: Pakistan surrenders to India, leading to the
creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
 July 2, 1972: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto becomes the Prime Minister of
Pakistan after the resignation of President Yahya Khan.
 20 January 1972: decision of Making Nuclear Weapon in Multan

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 The Era of ZA Bhutto
 1973: Pakistan's National Assembly approves a new constitution,
establishing a federal democratic system.
 April 4, 1979: Zia-ul-Haq stages a military coup and overthrows
Bhutto's government.
 July 5, 1977: Bhutto is arrested on charges of conspiracy to
murder of Ahmad Raza Kasuri, following a disputed election.
 April 4, 1979: Bhutto is sentenced to death by hanging after a
controversial trial.
 April 4, 1979: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is executed in Rawalpindi,
Pakistan.
 Bhutto's execution sparks protests and demonstrations across
Pakistan, leading to widespread political unrest.
 Bhutto's daughter, Benazir Bhutto, becomes a prominent political
figure and leads the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in her father's
footsteps.
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 The Zia Era
 July 5, 1977: General Zia ul Haq stages a military coup,
overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto.
 August 14, 1977: Zia ul Haq declares martial law and suspends the
constitution, taking control of the government.
 September 3, 1978: Zia ul Haq's government begins a crackdown
on political opponents and dissidents, leading to widespread
human rights abuses and censorship of the media.
 April 4, 1979: Zia ul Haq announces the implementation of
Islamic Sharia law in Pakistan, leading to significant changes in the
legal system and society.
 1979: Zia ul Haq introduces the controversial Hudood
Ordinances, which enforce strict Islamic punishments for crimes
such as adultery and theft, leading to criticism and protests from
human rights groups and women's rights activists.
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 The Zia Era
 1982: Zia ul Haq introduces the blasphemy law, which makes
insulting the Prophet Muhammad or desecrating the Quran punishable
by death, further strengthening the Islamization process in Pakistan.
 During Zia ul Haq's era, Pakistan was accused of providing support,
including financial assistance, to the Khalistan movement, which
aimed to establish an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in Punjab,
India.
 1985: Zia ul Haq holds non-party general elections under a new system
of "guided democracy", which is widely criticized for being rigged
in favor of his own party, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML).
 1986: Zia ul Haq launches the "Cricket Diplomacy" initiative, using
cricket matches as a means to improve diplomatic relations with India.
This leads to the resumption of bilateral cricket series between the two
countries after a gap of 17 years, and is seen as a step towards
normalizing relations between the two rivals.

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 The Zia Era
 1987: Zia ul Haq and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi hold the
"Brasstacks" military exercises, which escalates tensions between India
and Pakistan, leading to fears of a potential conflict. The situation is
defused through diplomatic efforts, but the event highlights the fragile
relations between the two countries.
 April 10, 1988: Zia ul Haq survives a plane crash in which several high-
ranking military officials and the US Ambassador to Pakistan are killed.
The cause of the crash remains controversial, with some speculating it
was an assassination attempt.
 November 16, 1988: Zia ul Haq lifts martial law and calls for general
elections, but retains significant power and influence over the
government.
 August 17, 1988: Zia ul Haq dies in a plane crash, along with several
other military officials and US Ambassador Arnold Raphel. The cause of
the crash is still debated, with some suggesting it was a sabotage or
assassination plot. Zia ul Haq's death marks the end of his era of military
rule in Pakistan.
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 The Bhutto Era 1988
 1988: Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, becomes
the Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the first female Prime
Minister in the Muslim world and the youngest Prime Minister in
Pakistan's history.
 Benazir Bhutto's government focuses on implementing democratic
reforms, improving human rights, and promoting social welfare
programs, such as healthcare and education.
 1989: Benazir Bhutto's government faces challenges, including
allegations of corruption and mismanagement, as well as economic
struggles, including high inflation and external debt.
 1990: Benazir Bhutto's government is dismissed by then-President
Ghulam Ishaq Khan on charges of corruption and abuse of power,
leading to political instability and a caretaker government taking
over.

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 The Nawaz Era 1990
 1990: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz
Sharif, wins the general elections and forms the government, with
Nawaz Sharif becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
 Nawaz Sharif's government focuses on economic reforms,
infrastructure development, and energy projects, with the aim of
boosting Pakistan's economy and improving the country's
infrastructure.
 1991: Nawaz Sharif's government introduces a series of economic
reforms, including liberalization of the economy, privatization of
state-owned enterprises, and deregulation of certain sectors.
 1993: Nawaz Sharif's government faces allegations of corruption
and mismanagement, leading to the dismissal of the government
by then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, and a period of political
instability follows.

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 The Bhutto Era 1993
 1993: Benazir Bhutto's party, the Pakistan People's Party
(PPP), wins the general elections, and she becomes the
Prime Minister for the second time.
 Benazir Bhutto's second term as Prime Minister is marked by
political tensions, including clashes with the President and
the opposition, and economic challenges, including high
inflation and corruption allegations.
 1996: Benazir Bhutto's government is dismissed again on
charges of corruption and mismanagement, leading to
another period of political uncertainty in Pakistan.

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 The Nawaz Era 1997
 1997: PML-N wins the general elections again, and Nawaz Sharif
becomes the Prime Minister for the second time.
 Nawaz Sharif's second term as Prime Minister is marked by
economic growth, infrastructure development, and nuclear tests
in response to India's nuclear tests, which heightened tensions
between the two countries.
 1999: Nawaz Sharif's government faces a military coup led by
General Pervez Musharraf, and Sharif is ousted from power,
leading to another period of military rule in Pakistan.
 Nawaz Sharif's era in the 1990s was marked by efforts to boost
Pakistan's economy through economic reforms and infrastructure
development. However, his tenure was also marred by allegations
of corruption and political instability, including his dismissal from
office through a military coup.

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 The Musharraf Era 1999
 1999: General Pervez Musharraf seizes power in a military coup, ousting the
elected government of Nawaz Sharif, and declares himself Chief Executive of
Pakistan.
 Musharraf's government suspends the Constitution, dissolves the National
Assembly and provincial assemblies, and imposes martial law, leading to a
period of military rule in Pakistan.
 Musharraf introduces a series of reforms, including restructuring of the
government, anti-corruption measures, and efforts to improve governance and
transparency.
 2000: Musharraf assumes the office of President of Pakistan, consolidating his
power and extending his term through a controversial referendum.
 Musharraf's government focuses on economic reforms, liberalization, and
attracting foreign investment to boost Pakistan's economy, with mixed results.
 Musharraf's government also faces challenges, including allegations of human
rights abuses, censorship of media, and restrictions on political dissent, leading
to criticism from human rights organizations and pro-democracy activists.

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 The PML Q Era 2002
 2001: Pakistan becomes a key ally of the United States in its "War on Terror" after the
9/11 attacks, leading to a shift in Pakistan's foreign policy and military cooperation with
the US.
 2002: Musharraf holds general elections under a controversial Legal Framework Order
(LFO) that amends the Constitution, and introduces a pro-Musharraf party, Pakistan
Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), which wins the elections and becomes the ruling party.
 PML-Q, led by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and later Shaukat Aziz, supports Musharraf's
government and implements his policies, focusing on economic development,
infrastructure projects, and attracting foreign investment.
 Musharraf's government faces challenges, including political dissent, protests, and
allegations of human rights abuses, leading to criticism from opposition parties and civil
society.
 2007: Musharraf declares a state of emergency, suspends the Constitution, dismisses the
Chief Justice of Pakistan, and arrests opposition leaders and activists, leading to
widespread protests and political unrest.
 2008: Musharraf resigns as President of Pakistan, following threats of impeachment by
the newly elected government, and goes into exile.
 PML-Q's era in the 2000s was marked by its support for Musharraf's government,
implementation of his policies, and challenges from opposition parties and civil society.
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 The Zardari’s Era
 2008: Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto, becomes the President of Pakistan after Musharraf's resignation
and the subsequent presidential elections.
 Zardari's government focuses on the restoration of democracy and
strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the concept of
"Meesaq-e-Jamhooriat" (Charter of Democracy), which aims to uphold
democratic values, protect human rights, and ensure the rule of law.
 Zardari's government faces challenges, including economic issues,
energy crisis, security concerns, and political opposition from other
parties.
 Zardari's government forms a coalition government with other
opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-
N), which becomes a "friendly opposition," cooperating with the
government on certain issues while maintaining its role as an opposition
party.

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 The Zardari’s Era
 Zardari's government focuses on social welfare programs, poverty alleviation,
and infrastructure development, but faces criticism for alleged corruption and
lack of progress in certain areas.
 2010: Zardari's government introduces the 18th Amendment to the
Constitution, aimed at devolving powers from the federal government to the
provinces, strengthening the parliamentary system, and promoting greater
provincial autonomy.
 Zardari's government also faces challenges from the judiciary, with the Chief
Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, taking a proactive role in
pursuing cases related to corruption and human rights.
 2013: Zardari's government completes its term, and general elections are held
in Pakistan. PML-N emerges as the winning party, and Zardari's party, Pakistan
People's Party (PPP), goes into opposition.
 Zardari's era was marked by efforts to restore democracy, promote democratic
values, and pursue social welfare programs. However, it faced challenges from
economic issues, security concerns, and political opposition.

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 The Nawaz Era
 013: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz
Sharif, wins the general elections and forms the government in
Pakistan.
 PML-N government focuses on economic development,
infrastructure projects, and energy sector reforms, including the
launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project,
aimed at boosting economic growth and connectivity between
Pakistan and China.
 The government faces challenges including energy crisis,
terrorism, corruption allegations, and opposition from other
political parties.
 PML-N government introduces several economic and social
welfare initiatives, including the Prime Minister's Youth Loan
Scheme, Metro Bus projects in major cities, and social safety net
programs for the poor.
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 The Nawaz Era
 In 2014, anti-government protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) take place, demanding
resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over allegations of
election rigging.
 In 2016, the Panama Papers leak reveals offshore companies
owned by Nawaz Sharif's family, leading to calls for accountability
and investigations into corruption allegations against the
government.
 In July 2017, Nawaz Sharif is disqualified by the Supreme Court of
Pakistan in the Panama Papers case, and he is removed from office
as Prime Minister. His party, PML-N, appoints Shahid Khaqan
Abbasi as the new Prime Minister.
 In the 2018 general elections, PML-N loses to Pakistan Tehreek-e-
Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan, and PML-N goes into opposition.
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 The PTI Era
 2018: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, wins the
general elections and forms the government in Pakistan.
 PTI government focuses on anti-corruption measures, economic
reforms, social welfare programs, and efforts to improve governance
and accountability.
 The government faces challenges including economic issues, fiscal
deficits, inflation, unemployment, and opposition from other political
parties.
 PTI government launches various initiatives, including the Ehsaas
Program for poverty alleviation, Naya Pakistan Housing Program for
affordable housing, and the Clean and Green Pakistan campaign for
environmental conservation.
 In 2019, tension escalates between Pakistan and India, particularly in the
disputed region of Kashmir, leading to military skirmishes and
diplomatic challenges.

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 The PTI Era
 PTI government also faces criticism for its handling of economic
challenges, alleged U-turns on policy decisions, and concerns over
media freedom and human rights.
 In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic poses additional challenges to
the government's efforts in managing health, economic, and social
impacts.
 In 2021, the government faces protests from opposition parties
and civil society groups over issues such as rising inflation,
unemployment, and political repression.
 PTI government also makes efforts to improve relations with
neighboring countries, including engagement with India,
Afghanistan, and China, among others.

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 The PTI Era
 PTI government also faces criticism for its handling of economic
challenges, alleged U-turns on policy decisions, and concerns over
media freedom and human rights.
 In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic poses additional challenges to
the government's efforts in managing health, economic, and social
impacts.
 In 2021, the government faces protests from opposition parties
and civil society groups over issues such as rising inflation,
unemployment, and political repression.
 PTI government also makes efforts to improve relations with
neighboring countries, including engagement with India,
Afghanistan, and China, among others.

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 The PDM Era (April 2022 – August
2023)
 Formation of Coalition Government: In April 2022, the
PDM, an alliance of multiple political parties, formed the
government after the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan
through a vote of no confidence.
 Economic Challenges: The PDM government grappled with
significant economic issues, including rising inflation and
external debt, leading to public discontent.
 Political Instability: The period was marked by political
turmoil, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan organizing
mass rallies and demanding early elections, which the PDM
government resisted.
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 The PDM Era (April 2022 – August
2023)
 Exchange Rate: PTI= (August 2018 – April 2022 = 178-186) vs
PDM = (April 2022 – August 2023 = 310)
 Inflation: (PTI= 12% vs PDM = 40% )
 Essential Commodities : Sugar (PTI= 80 vs PDM = 180 )
Wheat Flour (PTI= 55 vs PDM = 140 )
 Fuel Costs : (PTI= Petrol 149 vs PDM = Petrol 310 )
 Employment & Growth : Unemployment (PTI= 10% vs PDM = 30-40% )
GDP Growth (PTI= 6.2% vs PDM = 0.5%)
 Foreign Exchange Reserves : (PTI= $16.4 Billion vs PDM = $7.8 Billion )
 Electricity Prices : Electricity (PTI= Rs. 9.5 to 16 vs PDM = Rs.16.5 to 60 )
 Export Performance
 Human Costs
 Impacts on Daily Life
 Foreign Relations

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 Caretaker Government (August 2023 –
February 2024):
• Establishment of Caretaker Setup: Following the
dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023, a
caretaker government was installed to oversee the electoral
process.
• Security Measures: The caretaker administration faced
security challenges, including insurgent attacks in regions
like Balochistan, necessitating enhanced counter-terrorism
efforts.
• Election Preparations: The interim government was
responsible for organizing the general elections, initially
scheduled for November 2023 but later postponed to
February 2024.

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 PDM2 Government (Post-February
2024 Elections):
• Election Outcome: The general elections held in February
2024 resulted in a fragmented parliament, with no single
party securing an absolute majority, leading to coalition
negotiations.
• Formation of PDM2: The PDM alliance reconstituted
itself to form the government, continuing its coalition
governance approach.
• Continued Political Tensions: The political landscape
remained volatile, with ongoing challenges such as economic
recovery, security concerns, and managing relations with
opposition parties.

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