Untitled Quiz

Zia-ul-Haq

• Zia-ul-Haq was the Chief of Army Staff who seized power in Pakistan in 1977.
• He ruled as a military dictator until his death in 1988.

Zia-ul-Haq's Policies and Achievements

• Islamisation Programme: Zia focused on making Pakistan more Islamic. He introduced Islamic laws.
  • Sharia Laws: Islamic law (Sharia) became the foundation of Pakistan's legal system.
  • Sharia Courts: Sharia courts were established to ensure Islamic laws were followed.
  • Hudood Ordinances (1979): Laws for various crimes like theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption were based on Islamic teachings; punishments were severe.
  • Zakat and Ushr Ordinance (1980): Zakat was a tax collected from Muslims to help the poor. Ushr was a tax on agricultural produce.
• Nizam-e-Salat: Regular prayers (Salat) were made compulsory in government offices.
• Education: Islamic studies were made compulsory in schools. Madrassas (Islamic schools) were encouraged and provided free education.
• Ramadan: Businesses were closed during fasting hours in Ramadan and public eating was discouraged.
• Women and Minorities: Women were required to dress modestly and wear headscarves on TV. Islamic laws limited women's rights; a woman's testimony was valued as half of a man's. Non-Muslim minorities were also impacted by these laws, feeling excluded and discriminated against.
• Martial Law (1977): Political parties were dissolved and political activities banned; he ruled through Presidential Ordinances without consulting Parliament.
• Eighth Amendment (1985): Gave the President the power to dismiss the Prime Minister and Parliament.
• 1985 Elections: Non-party-based elections were held.

Zia-ul-Haq's Challenges

• Political Opposition: Faced protests from political parties, especially the PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party).
• Economic Challenges: Pakistan's economy struggled despite foreign aid; policies favored the rich, increasing poverty.
• Social Tensions: Islamisation policies sparked divisions among different religious groups.
• International Criticism: Western countries criticized Zia's human rights abuses and his harsh punishments under Islamic laws.

Zia-ul-Haq's Death

• Zia died in a mysterious plane crash in 1988.
• His death ended military rule, leading to elections and the return of democracy in Pakistan.

Evaluation of Zia-ul-Haq's Rule

• Achievements: Strengthened Pakistan's defense through nuclear weapon development; key ally during the Cold War; promoted Islamic identity.
• Failures: Islamisation policies caused divisions; political freedom was restricted under martial law; Pakistan's economy and society faced long-term problems due to his policies.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

• Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as President (1971–73) and Prime Minister (1973–77).
• He was known for domestic reforms and efforts to strengthen Pakistan after the 1971 war.
• His policies aimed to rebuild Pakistan's confidence and economy; he also reformed the army after the 1971 war.
• Simla Agreement (1972): This agreement with India aimed at conflict resolution through dialogue instead of war.
• 1973 Constitution: Introduced a new constitution.
• Domestic Reforms:
  • Industrial Reforms: Nationalization of major industries, banks, and schools. (though this policy negatively impacted the economy)
  • Agricultural Reforms: Reduced landholdings for small farmers to improve agricultural productivity.
  • Education and Health Reforms: Made education free up to primary level and built new universities and colleges.
• Social Reforms: Improving workers' rights like higher wages and the right to strike.
• Relations with Other Countries: Worked to unite Muslim countries; held the Islamic Summit Conference (1974). Strengthened national defense and moved away from sole reliance on the USA.
• Overthrow and Execution (1977–79): Opposition grew due to economic problems, corruption, and opposition. The army, led by Zia-ul-Haq, removed Bhutto in a coup. Bhutto was arrested and later executed.

Evaluation of Bhutto's Rule

• Successes: Introduced Pakistan's 1973 Constitution; rebuilt and strengthened national defense after the 1971 war; promoted Islamic unity and improved Pakistan's international position.
• Failures: Nationalization hurt industries, causing economic problems; land reforms were ineffective; political opposition grew due to corruption.

Yahya Khan

• Yahya Khan became the ruler of Pakistan in 1969.
• He served as Pakistan's second military dictator; his rule is mostly remembered for the 1971 war and the separation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh).
• Reforms After Taking Power (1969): Yahya took over after mass protests against Ayub Khan and promised to bring stability and democracy. Introduced the Legal Framework Order (LFO).
• Legal Framework Order (LFO): General elections held for the first time in Pakistan. Promised a new Constitution.
• One Unit System: Abolished the One Unit system that had combined provinces into East and West wings.

1970 General Elections

• Awami League led by Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman won a majority of seats in East Pakistan.
• Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was dominant in West Pakistan. Conflict arose over the distribution of power in relation to the election results. This led to the 1971 Crisis in East Pakistan.
• Six Points Demand: Awami League demanded greater autonomy for East Pakistan.
• Operation Searchlight (March 1971): Yahya Khan's army targeted Bengali leaders and civilians, causing widespread violence and human rights abuses.
• Indo-Pak War (1971): India supported East Pakistani fighters and Pakistan lost East Pakistan (became Bangladesh)
• End of Yahya Khan's Rule: Yahya Khan resigned after the 1971 defeat and handed over power.
• Evaluation of Yahya Khan's Rule
  • Held Pakistan's first general elections (1970)
  • Ended the One Unit system

The Kashmir Issue

• Kashmir was a princely state; the ruler was Hindu, but the population was Muslim.
• After the Partition of India in 1947, Kashmir was at the center of a dispute between India and Pakistan.
• Maharaja Hari Singh: Initially wanted Kashmir to remain independent but then joined India with the help of the tribesman in exchange for Indian protection.
• UN Resolution (1948): The UN suggested a ceasefire and a plebiscite to let the people of Kashmir decide their future.
• Line of Control (LOC): Ceasefire agreement in 1949 which divided Kashmir into Indian-held and Pakistan-held areas.
• Plebiscite: Was never conducted due to disagreement between India and Pakistan.
• Subsequent Wars (1965, 1999): Ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region; the UN called for a peaceful resolution each time, though meaningful steps were not taken.