The Military And Democracy In Pakistan
After Pakistan established its first constitution, General Ayub Khan assumed control of the administration and eventually became elected. However, popular dissatisfaction with his rule led to his resignation, paving the way for another military takeover under General Yahya Khan. During Yahya’s rule, Pakistan faced the Bangladesh crisis, after a war with India in 1971, resulting in the emergence of East Pakistan as an independent country called Bangladesh. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s elected government took power in Pakistan from 1971 to 1977 but was later removed by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.
General Zia faced a pro-democracy movement from 1982 onwards, leading to the establishment of an elected democratic government under Benazir Bhutto’s leadership in 1988. Subsequently, Pakistani politics revolved around competition between Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party and the Muslim League. This period of elective democracy lasted until 1999 when the army intervened again, with General Pervez Musharraf removing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2001, General Musharraf assumed the presidency through elections.
Pakistan’s struggle to build a stable democracy is influenced by various factors. The social dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning aristocracy has led to frequent overthrows of elected governments and military rule. The conflict with India has strengthened pro-military groups, arguing that political parties and democracy are flawed, and the army’s intervention is necessary for national security.
Despite these challenges, there is a strong pro-democracy sentiment in Pakistan, supported by a courageous and relatively free press and a robust human rights movement. However, the lack of genuine international support for democratic rule has further emboldened the military’s dominance. Western countries, including the United States, have historically supported military regimes in Pakistan, viewing them as protectors of Western interests against perceived threats of terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Chapter 3 Contemporary South Asia| Class 12 Political Science Notes
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