Coalition Politics in Pakistan 2008-2013 PDF

Citation: Nasir, M. T. A., & Faqir, K. (2021). A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013. Global Political Review, VI(IV), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2021(VI- IV).01 Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir *...

Citation: Nasir, M. T. A., & Faqir, K. (2021). A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013. Global Political Review, VI(IV), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2021(VI- IV).01 Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir * | Khan Faqir † A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2021(VI-IV).01 Pages: 1 – 13 p- ISSN: 2521-2982 e- ISSN: 2707-4587 p- ISSN: 2521-2982 DOI: 10.31703/gpr.2021(VI-IV).01 Headings Abstract Coalition politics have played a unique role in the modern system of governance. It played a vital role in politics for Introduction bringing the smaller political parties closer by reducing the chances of United Front serious conflicts. Coalitions can be governmental, which are formed after National Democratic Front elections, and coalitions also can be formed before elections. Like most of Combined Opposition Parties the Third World countries, Pakistan is an emerging democratic state with Pakistan National Alliance a multi-party setup. Present research work tried to analyze different Movement for Restoration of aspects of coalition politics since the creation of Pakistan; however, the Democracy scope of this research was restricted to the era from 2008 to 2013. The Islamic Democratic Coalition study has included the concept of coalitions, the formation of coalitions, Coalition for Restoration of their governance, terminations, and their implications on the politics of Democracy (CRD) Pakistan. In order to get pinpoint the performance of the coalition during Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) 2008-2013, primary sources, including official documents, statements, Ruling Coalition 2002 and interviews, and secondary sources like books, journals, newspapers, and websites have been consulted. Basically, it is qualitative research, but All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) sometimes quantitative material is also utilized. To complete the research, historical, descriptive, and experimental methods were used. The study Situation before General Elections revealed that how coalition politics has become a backbone of democracy of 2008 in Pakistan, where many parties were getting representation in the Termination of coalitions during legislative assembly. Here, the successful tenure of the PPP-led coalition 2008-2013 gave new hope to the political stakeholders to work together for sustainable Conclusion democracy in Pakistan. References Key Words: Coalition Politics, Alliance Theory, PPP-led Coalition, Ruling Alliances, Politics of Pakistan 2008-2013, 18th Amendment Bill, Politics of Reconciliation Introduction Political parties are the linkage between problems of their community, it's their need to get government and people. Regional political parties into the coalition to have a fair share in government or pressure groups are unable to get the majority in (Qasim & Ali, 2019). When none of the political elections. If they are in opposition for a long time, parties can make a government, then they need then they are not influential then people will not coalition partners, or for a piece of legislation, they vote them so, to get into power to solve the need a coalition. Coalitions can have a limited age, * Ph.D. Scholar, Pakistan Study Center, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan. † Assistant Professor, Pakistan Study Center, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan. Email: [email protected]  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir even only for a day to achieve the single objective, West Pakistan. All the military headquarters and and can also have years-long age to achieve multiple capital of Pakistan were in West Pakistan, so goals (Budge & Laver, 1986). There are some practically all the powers were in West Pakistan. benefits of coalitions like wide networking, shared Non-Muslims in East Pakistan were in favor of the information, funds, and resources, but there are secular constitution (Ahmed, 2010), which was some costs to coalitions like loss of autonomy, straightforwardly neglected without taking them grouping, and compromises. For a successful into confidence. Another setback for the coalition, there should be a common purpose, pre- establishment of new political parties was the accepted a set of rules and limitations, competent constitution of 1962, which did not allow any new leadership, shared resources, influential decision- registration of the political party. This situation makers, and a good strategy. The major types of created room for coalitions. coalitions are electoral coalitions, office seeking coalitions, opposition parties coalitions, and policy- United Front based coalitions (Bawn & Rosenbluth, 2003). It was also known as Jugtoo Front. It was formed in From the creation of Pakistan multi-party 1953, ever the first coalition in the history of system was adopted, but due to weak political Pakistan. It was aided by the Indian embassy, and its institutions, the military ruled this country for a long main demand was provincial autonomy. Molana time even the intervals of democracy were shorter Bhashani, AK Fazal e Haq and Seherwardi (Maron, than the intervals of the military (Rizvi, 1991). About 1955) visited every inch of the country to make an 127 (Election Commission of Pakistan, n.d) political opinion against Muslim League. Meanwhile, the parties are registered in the Election Commission of elections were delayed on the basis of intelligence Pakistan, but only a few political parties can claim to reports which clearly stated the popularity of the be the national parties other parties are regional, United Front in East Pakistan, and these tactics gave religious, ethnic, or based on racism. For a specific burning fire more fuel. Finally, in the elections of period of time party, less election system (Rais, 1954 United Front got the lion's share by securing 1985) was implemented, and for a long time after 223 seats out of 338 (Mustafa, 2010) while Muslim elections, the fear of the dissolution of the League's only 10. The only purpose of the United assemblies by the President did not allow the Front was to defeat Muslim League, and they made democracy to do its function properly. Along with it. The distribution of portfolios was not easy to military involvement, the demand of provincial step, but with the creation of additional portfolios, autonomy, wedera shahi, malik system, bureaucracy, the inability of political workers, leg- the matter was resolved, but in East Pakistan, the pulling of political parties, incompetency, nepotism situation was not controllable both Sheikh Mujeeb, and failure of national parties and to behave like a the then Chief Minister, and Communist Party responsible segment of the society are other blamed each other for instability. Governor rule reasons. was imposed in 1954 (Asadullah, 2010). One Unit system was adopted to balance both the wings of Although Pakistan is the result of political efforts Pakistan. Participating parties on different occasions but inherited, a system of democracy was not very left the coalition, re-entered in coalition but with the much mature, especially the people of Pakistan were not this much educated to elect suitable arrival of Ayub Khan as dictator United Front was candidates for lawmaking. At the start, it was hardly ended, and the reason was the inexperience of possible to oppose Muslim League as it was the political parties. The factors responsible for the party that won Pakistan for its people (Jalal, 2014). formation of the United Front were multiparty-ism, On the other hand, elites and lords were influencing majoritarian electoral system, and the League's the decisions, the situation in East Pakistan was not authoritarianism. The success of the United Front favorable, but the government did nothing. The was making room for any other party after the main foreign exchange was earned by the Muslim League, more rights for the province of East production of East Pakistan but was spent mostly in Pakistan, and awareness among the people. Ayub Page | 2 Global Political Review (GPR) A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 Khan only allowed a limited Edition of Democracy. (Rashiduzzaman, 1970), which was not acceptable To oppose a dictator, another coalition was made for the parties of West Pakistan. for the restoration of democracy in the country in the shape of the National Democratic Front. Pakistan Democratic Movement and Democratic Alliance Committee National Democratic Front Parties were struggling for the revival of democracy, In 1962 political activities were allowed, and but they needed a united effort. For that purpose, National Democratic Front was formed. This on April 30 1967 (Sayeed, 1968), a coalition was coalition demanded elections within six months. All formed with the name of Pakistan Democratic the political parties in East Pakistan joined the Movement under the presidentship of Nawab coalition, but the coalition did not survive in West Nasrullah Khan. The coalition demanded direct Pakistan. The activities of PDF were challenged in elections, the shift of naval headquarters, Supreme Court, and later by two consecutive independent courts, and independent press. With presidential orders, the activities of PDF were the arrival of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, all eight parties restricted. The people of both wings were happy reshaped PDM into Democratic Alliance with the government of Ayub Khan as the crisis in Committee in 1969. This coalition made history East Pakistan has been ended, so they showed cold and compelled a dictator to leave his office through shoulders to the call of a strike by PDF. In 1963 public demonstrations, strikes, and speeches. The (Sayeed, 1968), with the death of Seherwardi the dialogue between DAC and Ayub Khan was not motion of coalition was decelerated. With the war possible due to Sheikh Mujeeb’s famous six points, of 1965, all the priorities were changed, and which are not acceptable for Ayub Khan at any cost. nobody noticed the revised charter of PDF. The The shift of power was not according to coalition did not achieve its goal, but this coalition expectations after Ayub Khan. General Yahya Khan opened a way for another coalition. took power as he was a decedent of Ayub Khan in the Army. It was a long discussion, but General Combined Opposition Parties Yahya Khan was unable to control the country (Mustafa & Nawaz, 2014) so, East Pakistan was Khawaja Nazimudin brought Council Muslim departed in 1971. Both the coalitions were badly League, NIP, Jamat-e-Islami, and Awami League failed as they did not maintain unity at the national together in another coalition called Combined level. Opposition Parties. COP tried to oppose strong dictator Ayub Khan by bringing Fatima Jinnah, the Pakistan National Alliance sister of the founder of Pakistan, in the election of President, but with the help of agencies, Ayub Khan After partition, PPP emerged as a major party, and defeated Fatima Jinnah (Sayeed, 1968) and became Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took over the charge of the government as a civil dictator. In 1977 (Suhail, more powerful. The war of 1965 changed the 2011), another coalition was formed to compete position in favor of Ayub Khan, but soon unpopular with PPP, but due to hard talks among leaders in the decision of Ayub Khan at the end of the war made home of Rafique Ahmed Bajwa, who was the legal all the political parties again angry they gathered at adviser of many politicians Asghar Khan and others the platform of the National Conference to make a did not put their best efforts in the coalition. The more influential coalition. A historian cannot say that PNA was unsuccessful in defeating PPP. PNA COP was unsuccessful, but this coalition continued continued its strikes and public demonstrations; efforts in the reshaping of the National Conference. Kuwait, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia came forward This coalition was not properly formed as the to prevent Pakistan from another martial law, but it pioneer parties were from West Pakistan, and happened. This coalition changed its name to Shiekh Mujeeb ur Rehman from East Pakistan was Nizam-e-Mustafa, and ZA Bhutto (Kokab & Khan, demanding more provincial autonomy 2018) introduced many Islamic laws to deal with this new situation. Due to the pressure of PNC, Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) Page | 3  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir many new Islamic laws for society were approved unrest and weakened the political institutions. As a by the government. The unsuccessfulness of result of their differences, the then-president dialogues was responsible for another martial law in Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the assemblies July 1977. The immaturity of the ruling party (Ziring, 1991) and announced new elections. The brought the opposition coalition to a dead end. elections of 1990 favored IJI, and this coalition made With the imposition of martial law, the coalition was the government at the central level. This time the terminated with no such achievements. process of power-sharing in the center made the partners unhappy. After a short time, Nawaz Sharif Movement for Restoration of Democracy was left with his own party only in the coalition, but At the start of martial law, many politicians were no one announced. IJI was a durable and sustainable restricted, and political activities were banned. In coalition. They achieved their goal and made the 1981 another coalition came into existence to get government, but after getting into power, PMLN rights from a dictator. The basic demand of the did not accommodate the smaller parties (Amin, MRD was the restoration of the constitution of 1994), which ended this coalition. Islamic 1973. General Zia was a strict dictator for those Democratic Front and Pakistan Democratic who opposed him. Authors, writers, and politicians Coalition were formed to compete with IJI, but they were punished for raising their voices (Mehdi, were not well developed or documented. These 2013). The war of the USA in Afghanistan made coalitions were not made for clear objectives, so General Zia strong, but political parties continued they were unsuccessful. their struggle. The coalition got many benefits like elections, relaxations for the press, partial National Democratic Alliance and Grand independence of courts, removal of martial law, and Democratic Alliance adoption of Islamic laws, but General Zia was a wise After the success of IJI, political parties learned that man who took control of the government in hand to compete with a strong opponent, there should by taking the powers of dissolution of parliament. be a coalition. At a moment, Nawaz Sharif made a With the death of General Zia in the plane crash, coalition named IJI, Benazir made a coalition named PPP emerged as a strong political party, so there as PDA and all those parties who were not with was no survival for smaller political parties for the PMLN or PPP made another coalition named as next five years. To contest against PPP for getting National Democratic Alliance under Nasrullah Khan benefits, smaller political parties entered a pre- in 1992 (Wasseem, 1992). Opposition was trying election coalition (Suhail, 2011). to de-seat Nawas Sharif only by demonstrations and strikes. NDA was ended as PPP was not Islamic Democratic Coalition resigning from Baluchistan Assembly. The era from 1993 to 1999 did not produce any significant General Zia used Islamic reforms to remain in coalition, but in 1999 Grand Democratic Alliance power, so at that time, every party was proving was formed by 19 parties (Chawla & Ullah, 2018) herself more Islamic and more ideological. Unlike to oppose a dictator. previous coalitions, this coalition was well documented and mutually agreed to bring religious parties (Rizvi, 1998) closer PMLN used the name Coalition for Restoration of Democracy (CRD) of Islamic Democratic Coalition. Coalition tried The founder of many coalitions, Nawabzada their best to compete with PPP, but PPP got a Nasrullah Khan, again formed a coalition (Fruman, majority in the election of National Assembly, and 2011) for the restoration of democracy after the surprisingly IJI got a majority in provincial assemblies martial law of General Pervez Musharraf. This of Punjab and Baluchistan. This was the first major coalition achieved its goals partially as the main two coalition of the political parties that enabled smaller demands were the restoration of the constitution parties to get into power and to make government and fair elections. In this coalition, PMLN was asking when the opposition was very strong. The federal for the removal of uniformed general, but PPP was government of PPP tried to dictate IJI in Punjab, but reluctant. The leaders of both the political parties they were rejected many times, which created left the country, which reduced the acceleration of Page | 4 Global Political Review (GPR) A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 CRD. Political parties participated in the elections of parties, eight parties hesitated and didn't join the 2002, local body elections 2005, and general coalition. It was a huge coalition that all major parties elections of 2008, which means no boycott, no have announced to boycott the elections, but opposition so, the coalition was automatically PMLN took a u-turn, and they announced at the terminated with partial achievements of restoration last moment that they would take part in the of democracy (El-Khawas, 2009). election, it was a tough time for other parties to make their decisions as only three days were left for Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) submission of documents. This change of mind of PMLN brought the ultimate end of APDM with no To get more powers in government, this time achievements. religious parties made a coalition named as United Council for Action, commonly known as Mutahida Situation before General Elections of 2008 Majlis-e-Amal or MMA, in 2002 (Khan, 2014) in the direct opposition of General Pervez Musharaf. The In the March 2007 an issue among Chief Justice of restrictions by General Pervez Musharaf on PPP and Pakistan Iftekhar Muhammad Chaudhary and PMLN allowed MMA to play its innings easily, so President Pervez Musharaf was raised resulting after a comprehensive campaign MMA made its Lawyer’s movement which badly defamed the governments in NWFP and Baluchistan after the President. The incident of Lal Masjid in Islamabad elections of 2002. It was a successful coalition and (Siddique, 2008), poor management after floods in lasted for a long time. The local body elections of Sind, war on terror, missing persons and the 2005 and general elections of 2008 highlighted the incident of Nawab Akbar Bugatti in Baluchistan differences among coalition parties on the issue of weakened the General. National Reconciliation allotment of seats. Then Sami ul Haq group left the Order brought many politicians back in politics to coalition, and slowly this coalition came to its end get favor for Musharaf in upcoming elections, but (Bansal, 2006). After MMA these religious parties before elections, all above factors forced him to did not enter in any significant coalition, and they leave the post of Army head. He resigned from never came back in power. Army and became civilian President. This was the worst situation of the country where Chief Justice Ruling Coalition 2002 was asking for justice, army head was asking for security as he was under severe threats, and After the elections of 2002, the handicapped parties political leaders were asking for political institutions PPP, PMLN, and ANP were unable to participate and democracy. The economy was going down day actively, but PMLQ, MQM, and MMA emerged as by day, nothing was stable. More than 600 military major political parties. An un-named coalition was persons were the heads of different institutions formed, which was led by PMLQ (Nelson, 2009) at (Behuria, 2009). The media was conducting healthy the federal level. The coalition government discussions on politics, economy, and social issues completed its constitutional tenure of 5 years for the as they were allowed by Musharaf. PMLQ was first time in the history of Pakistan. MQM left the expecting its victory in Punjab, MMA in KP, and coalition many times, but they rejoined it so, at the MQM in Sind in upcoming elections. The name of end of 5 years, the coalition was finally terminated Chief Minister of Punjab Pervez Elahi was circulating with a lot of achievements. This coalition was B for the Prime Minister’s office. With the resignation team of General Pervez Musharaf, so it was never of General Pervez Musharaf, the new General respected by political workers (Amin et al., 2020). Ashfaq Pervez Kayani changed the situation after taking the charge. Military intelligence was pulled All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) back from politics. It was instructed by him not to All Parties Conference in London gave birth of the build relations with politicians (Shah, 2008). It was All Parties Democratic Movement in 2007 (Ahmed time to regain respect for the army because with & Stephan, 2010). The aim of the coalition was to the General Musharaf the military institute was also stop General Pervez Musharaf from being re- disrespected. elected as President of Pakistan. Out of 36 political Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) Page | 5  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir Elections 2008 Table 1. National Assembly: Seats Distributions Area General Seats Reserved for Women Non-Muslims Punjab 148 35 Sindh 61 14 NWFP 35 08 Balochistan 14 03 10 FATA 12 - Islamabad 02 - Total 272 Grand Total 342 Source: Election Commission of Pakistan, General Election 2008 http://www.ecp.gov.pk/GE2008.aspx (accessed on April 27, 2021) Table 2. Provincial Assemblies: Distribution of seats Punjab Assembly Sindh Assembly NWFP Assembly Balochistan Assembly Non-Muslim Non-Muslim Non-Muslim Non-Muslim Women Women Women Women General General General General Total Total Total Total 297 66 8 371 130 29 09 168 99 22 03 124 51 11 03 65 Source: Election Commission of Pakistan, General Election 2008 http://www.ecp.gov.pk/GE2008.aspx (accessed on April 27, 2021) Table 3. Result of Elections 2008 Party NA PF PS PB PP PPPP 124 30 93 12 107 PML-N 91 9 0 0 169 MQM 25 0 51 0 00 ANY 13 48 2 4 0 PML-Q 54 6 9 19 84 MMA 7 14 0 10 2 PML-F 5 0 8 0 3 BNP-A 1 0 0 7 0 PPP-S 1 6 0 0 0 NPP 1 0 3 0 0 NP 0 0 0 1 0 IND 17 11 0 12 4 TOTAL OBTAINED 339 124 166 65 369 TOTAL SEATS 342 124 168 65 371 Source: Election Commission of Pakistan, General Election 2008 http://www.ecp.gov.pk/GE2008.aspx (accessed on April 27, 2021) The results were not according to expectations of totally changed for General ® Pervez Musharaf and sitting President and PMLQ. The scenario was for the King’s Party as well. The rivals of all the time Page | 6 Global Political Review (GPR) A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 became friends and joined their hands for coalition. government. This cooperation of political parties PPP was at the top, and PMLN was the second- created a huge problem for Musharaf to be re- largest party in the parliament. History witnessed no elected as President of Pakistan (Iqbal, 2007). leg-pulling and no fights, political parties made the history by making comprehensive coalition. PPP Asif Ali Zardari as President of Pakistan gave PMLN the right of representation in center When Benazir Bhutto left the country his spouse and PMLN gave PPP their right of representation in Asif Ali Zardari decided to remain in the country to Punjab. face the charges of corruption leveled by Pervez Musharaf. For the elections of 2008, Benazir came Murree Declaration back to Pakistan and started its campaign, but she Murree declaration or Bhurban Accord (Nazir et al., was killed which made his spouse co-chairman of 2014) was bonding among political parties that how PPP (Raza & Akbar, 2012). The transition, which they should work for democracy in Pakistan. It was was started in 2002 brought to its end with the agreed that the new government would restore the resignation of Pervez Musharaf in 2008, as he was judges within 30 days, PPP-led coalition took over a weak president now. Lawyers composed songs, the charge of the government but did nothing for chanted slogans, and demanded his resignation and the restoration of judges. Before elections it was resignation only. Dictator needed safe exit as promise of PMLN with their voters that after Musharaf, and his party was weak now. PMLN, elections they will fight for judges so they came on PPP, ANP, and JUIF were against him. To avoid dead-end with PPP. PPP was reluctant to restore impeachment, he resigned after an hour-long the Chief Justice as it was assumed that the said televised address where he has counted all his Chief Justice will cancel the NRO and will reopen efforts and achievements, but who cares? Within all the corruption cases level on PPP along with three weeks Asif Ali Zardari was elected as other politicians. After several rounds of talks with President of Pakistan by getting 481 out of 702 PPP nothing was finalized. PMLN decided to votes (Raza & Bukhari, 2017). demonstrate sit-in in Islamabad. Retired persons, He was the first civilian but powerful President lawyers, many societies, and PMLN started their of Pakistan. Many of them were only ceremonial traveling towards Islamabad, but in the middle of presidents having no such powers to influence the way government again called the Prime Minister's policies. He inherited all the representatives and decided to accept the demand. powers which Musharraf had till the 18th Single point agenda was accepted and presented in amendment. After the 18th amendment, he was the parliament in the shape of "A constitutional still powerful President because he was also head of Package" to solve the problems of service length his party. He influenced the federal ministers and (Riaz, 2009), salaries related matters. With the changed them as and when it was needed. After restoration of judges PMLN became popular in gaining power, he disregarded his promise of the Pakistan but they never came back to join coalition restoration of judges as he said that nothing was in the center. Coalition was terminated with the absolute in politics. PMLN was asking for resignations of PMLN ministers in the center but the restoration of judiciary as it was their promise in ministers of PPP continued their charge of election campaign 2008 and the same was ministries. It was Murree declaration which promised by Zardari in Murree Accord. He delayed compelled them to work with each other, especially and postponed the restoration of judges for a long on pre-decided issues. The refusal of demand of time because of fear of case of NRO. restoration of judges would be a call for another At the moment to defuse the situation martial law because it was a dead-end. government helped Dr Abdul Qadir Khan, a famous Opposition did not take advantage of unrest in Pakistani nuclear scientist, to fight his case and the the country. PMLN resigned from the center, the court decided in his favor then he was released government of Punjab was in the hands of PMLN from house arrest. He was house arrested by but they never tried to destabilize the federal Musharaf after his televised confession for providing Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) Page | 7  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir nuclear technology and aiding Iran, Libya and North was a targeted, unconditional and cash delivery Korea. Due to his respect all over the Pakistan PPP program which was introduced after rapid food tried to cash his release but they were failed due to price inflation in Pakistan. Its special focus was seriousness of lawyers and PMLN. The situation widows and women with small or no income. The went out of control for the government, both the program was introduced and protected by the Act parties reached at the point of no return. The then of parliament where Prime Minister was its patron Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan Justice and President of Pakistan was its Chief Patron. The Abdul Hameed Dodger who was a close friend of goals and objectives of the program were as follow; President Zardari decided a case on February 25, Enhance the capacities of poor people 2009, which disallowed Sharif Brothers to hold any Implement and formulate the policies for public office for a lifetime. Shehbaz Sharif who was Chief Minister of Punjab at that time left his office, poor people and the governor rule was imposed for two months Reduce poverty by equitable distribution of by Zardari in Punjab. Military was focusing on the money among low income groups political unrest in Pakistan, but they did not avail this BISP was a federal project, and it was equally chance. known all over the Pakistan with one Federal office and six regional offices including Gilgit Baltistan and Performance of Ruling coalition 2008 AJK. 33 divisional and 385 tehsil offices were To bring peace in the country an action was taken distributing money among the women of Pakistan. against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan with the Infect this government-created the largest database consensus of all political parties and law of poor families after door to door survey. About enforcement agencies in May 2009, which was 90 Billion dollars were distributed among 9.4 successful. million families in Pakistan under BISP. It was Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Baluchistan package was a continued by the PMLN government with the same political, economic and administrative (Imran & name and same acceleration but after PTI-led Akram-ul-Haq, 2016) initiative by a PPP-led coalition government, it was renamed as Ehsaas coalition. It was approved only for the people of Program. To make it more transparent smart cards Baluchistan and it was also a part of the Murree were introduced, which made the delivery of cash declaration. Six hundred talented students of easy under the chairmanship of Dr Sania Nishter. In Baluchistan were given scholarships for higher 2008-2009 about 1.5% of the general population studies through Higher Education Commission. received the cash through BISP which were below 1725 posts were filled during 2008-2013 in poverty level. Waseela-e-Haq, Waseela-e-Rozgar Baluchistan under Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Baluchistan and Waseela-e-Sehat programs were the package (Taj & Bilal, 2018). Young people of byproducts of BISP which were also helping the Baluchistan were appointed in Aviation Division, poor people in Pakistan. Cabinet Division, Commerce Ministry, Defence 7th National Finance Commission Award Ministry, Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of (Mustafa, 2011) was approved in December 2009 Foreign Affairs, Housing Ministry, Information which was really an achievement of coalition Technology Ministry, Industries Ministry, Interior partners. The then PM Yousuf Raza Gilani, Punjab Ministry, Pakistan Railways, Law Ministry, and CM Shahbaz Sharif, NWFP CM Amir Haider Khan Presidency. Bloch people were given more control Hoti, Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah and CM of on resources as they were always demanding for it. Baluchistan Aslam Raisani along with other Baluchistan was regarded as the backward province members of federal cabinet signed the accord. of Pakistan, but potentially this province is very rich According to accord the distribution of financial in resources of oil, natural gas, huge mines of gold, assets was Rs 227 billion in the 1st year, Rs850 copper and lead reserves. billion in 2nd year and Rs1,250 billion next year Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) was (Ahmed et al., 2007). For the first time, other introduced by Zardari government in July 2008.it factors like area, poverty, revenue collection and Page | 8 Global Political Review (GPR) A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 revenue generation were considered after amendment haled all many wounds permanently population in any NFC award. Coalition partners (Hussain & Kokab, 2012). gave the credit to each other as all the heads of During 2008-2013 many times opposition got provinces were agreed here specially Punjab who opportunity to destabilize the government, but they was on giving end to its younger brothers. The did not do anything against the norms of share of Baluchistan was increased about 9% which democracy. In Murree Declaration, the is 83 billion in first year (Sabir, 2010). independence of the Judiciary was promised, so the Pakistan was on 147th position out of 188 termination of Yousaf Raza Gilani from the countries (Ghafoor & Haider, 2018) because of Supreme Court of Pakistan (Masud et al., 2013) on poor performance on maintaining women health, the basis of contempt of court was never made education, economic and political engagements. To controversial by the government. They obeyed the reduce differences among men and women, this bill court and elected a new Prime Minister. This was approved, and it also provided a confident respect for judiciary was really unexpected, look at work force in the shape of women for the Musharraf he de-seated the highest man of Judiciary betterment of Pakistan. This bill provided a secure on personal likes and dislikes basis. environment for women to work in offices or Militancy in FATA is another chapter of PPP-led organizations. On this moment President Asif Ali coalition government. Autonomous tribes and FCR Zardari said “my wife was stronger than me, she is were controversial ever as people living over there guiding me from grave”. Women Protection Bill was were not happy with the laws and law enforcement passed in March 2010 (Khatak, 2010) against agencies, they have their own traditions, social and harassment at work places which was another political system. They were more religious as achievement of a coalition government. compared to other parts of Pakistan. Militants 18th amendment in the constitution of Pakistan emerged from this area, but people of FATA were was another milestone and it gave strength to the killed by militants all the time. After the arrival of institutions. About 981 policy papers, NATO forces in Afghanistan in 2001, the peace of recommendations and suggestions were FATA became compulsory for Pakistan and forwarded, it was almost a review of the Afghanistan. Musharaf recognized the militants as a constitution of 1973 (Hussain & Kokab, 2012). force and allowed negotiation to reach at any end Committee took 9 months and in 77 meetings they but it didn’t hold very long. Operation in Waziristan came to any ultimate solution. 100 articles of the and Khyber agency was launched. The death of constitution were reviewed which means 34% of Baitullah Masud in 2007 increased the presence of the constitution of Pakistan was reviewed in 18th militants in border areas. The reaction of TTP after amendment. Provincial autonomy was increased as the incident of Lal Masjid was unbearable for it was promised in its election campaign by all the Musharaf. The elections of 2008 replaced ANP with political parties (Zulfiqar, 2012). The power to MMA who were strong allay of Musharaf. When dissolve the assemblies was taken back. Zardari became in power he tried to talk with them Administrative and financial control was given to as he was a strong believer of politics of provinces for many autonomous bodies and reconciliation. During his government TTP was not institutions. National finance commission was very active against Pakistan both TTP and Pakistan restructured. Control on mineral resources was was at rest. On April 3, 2009 government reached given to provinces. The distribution of resources a peace deal in a form of Nizam-e-adal Regulation and the control of resources were restructured. In (NAR) with Sufi Muhammad which was duly passed March 2010 NWFP was renamed as Khyber by parliament. President, Prime Minister and Pakhtunkhwa as it was promise of ANP during its elected parliament were the supreme law makers election campaign (Zulfiqar, 2012). This was a huge in Pakistan; they made the law then all the powers achievement of coalition, Pakistan was over were supposed to obey the constitution of Pakistan. centralized during military regimes but this It was power of coalition and parliament that Army obeyed them unwillingly. Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) Page | 9  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir A huge sit-in by Tahir-ul-Qadri (Mamoon et al., power shortage. Continuous four hours load 2017) was recorded in Islamabad, but the wise shedding in Karachi forced the people to come out leadership of PPP and coalition parties dealt with the on the road for protest, but Karachi was simply party wisely and sent them back to homes given extra power from other power sectors, but peacefully. Coalition governments are considered power generation was never planned. Summers as weak governments, but history showed that this really burdened the people in Pakistan, the families coalition government witnessed many issues but who could afford UPS and generators shifted to solved them peacefully. It was the first-ever alternate sources of energy, but the poor families government which has completed its consecutive were left alone. five years without any military dictator. Sawat was a beautiful and peaceful valley but This PPP-led coalition was well versed and army and other law enforcement agencies were comprehensive. Mandate of major parties was having little control on it, when militant entered in respected. The candidate of Prime ministership was this area no force was able to fight against them. agreed and decided before elections. The post of Actions of Musharaf like Lal Masjid and Baluchistan speaker, deputy speaker in center and same in earned bad name for army so before going in Sawat Punjab was agreed and supported. The key posts army took legal cover from Zardari government. In and ministries were distributed peacefully. a televised address, Prime Minister Gilani Announced an army action against TTP in Sawat. Incompetency and Deficiencies Civil-military relations during this Rahe-e-rast Poor planning and incompetency were the major operation were cooperated. The writ of the problems of civilian governments so that they were government was regained through army operation. not that much popular among the nation. Low It was a failure of political government that they levels of institutionalization, low level of planning were unable to talk with the people of Sawat to with low IQ were the issues of PPP government. bring them back. War and fights with fellow men Before elections well set manifesto of all the political were never good options. Why coalition parties was circulated and the same with PPP, after government did not negotiate? Why millions of success the road map is already in hand of rupees were spent in three weeks to damage our government. PPP inherited grave issues like own fellow men property? Why proper solution economic crises, poverty, terrorism, weak was not made? Why Mullan Fazallah was not institutions, social injustice and power crises. As it convinced? Although writ of government is was a coalition government so they focused on maintained now but military operation should be making the allies happy but their own manifesto the last option. There should be some difference went on second priority. As a party there was no among a political government and a dictator. collective effort to address any single issue except Termination of coalitions during 2008-2013 Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). It is always solemnly responsibility of the ruling party For maintaining majority in the parliament PPP to take its coalition partners with her. PPP relied of coalition partners and to make them happy responded with patience and wisely. The issue of the era of corruption was opened. No one was restoration of judges, replacement of Asif Ali Zardari asked by any institution in Pakistan and many parties with Pervez Musharaf, 18th Amendment and the sit- were in government for lawmaking which in of Tahir-ul-Qadri were huge issues where the promoted nepotism and bad governance. Individual right decisions on the right time made the history. publicity and party fame were always important for ANP, MQM, PPP, PMLN, PMLF and JUIF were the PPP, they promoted it by newspapers, banners, part of ruling coalition; the researcher can say that and demonstrations. all the major parties were in government. First Power crises in Pakistan were never addressed termination of coalition was seen in very next during the PPP-led coalition government. Industries months after election when the ministers of PMLN were shutting down their workshops because of resigned. It is the failure of political parties that when Page | 10 Global Political Review (GPR) A Critical Analysis of Coalition Politics in Pakistan A Case Study of PPP-led Coalition 2008-2013 they have promised that they will restore judges Conclusion within one month after getting power then why it In the history of Pakistan many successful coalitions was delayed? were made before and after elections but the In 2013 MQM parts its ways in center and in successful ruling coalition was in 2008-2013 which Sind by leaving the coalition. It was almost the end was led by PPP, it was clearly drawback of of government, so it was only a stunt before government in 2008 that she did not care about the elections as these two parties are contesting sustainability of coalition in early months. basically from Sind (Hussain, 2014). MQM did the Government is always on the giving end and same many times during 2008-2013 but after the coalition partners are always on the demanding or announcement of termination of coalition every receiving end so partners should always be time some rounds of discussion took the MQM respected. Decisions should be popular with full back in coalition except the last time. JUIF, ANP, consensus of member parties. Promised should be PMLF and independent members from FATA fulfilled. The inclusion of many parties in remained in coalition all the time. government means the inclusion of many regions or thoughts. Better results can be expected from Coalition with PMLQ is another chapter in this many people as compared to the single dictator. government. PPP was not able to approve the Although there was always a chance of betterment budget for the year of 2011 and they invited PMLQ in every performance but coalition during 2008- to join the coalition. Anything under sky was offered 2013 achieved a lot. The coalition governments are to them, and they went for Deputy Prime Minister- always weak, but it was a strong coalition ship, a new post was created (Shahnawaz, 2020) government because it maintained the government with no powers and no responsibilities even in the for consecutive five years. There should be some absence of Prime Minister of Pakistan. The first and limitations and rules for coalition as in this coalition last Deputy Prime minister of Pakistan was PMLQ got extraordinary benefits of the seat of Chaudhry Pervez Elahi. The final termination of Deputy Prime minister. When limits and rules are coalition was the constitutional end of the defined then there will be a chance of more parliament after completing its five years. progressive coalition. Vol. VI, No. IV (Fall 2021) Page | 11  Muhammad Touqeer Akhter Nasir and Khan Faqir References Ahmad, I., Mustafa, U., & Khalid, M. (2007). Fruman, S. (2011). 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