How Pakistani establishment has looted and controlled Pakistan for 75 years?
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
How Pakistani establishment has controlled and looted Pakistan for 75 years?
How Pakistani Establishment started to intervene in Pakistan?
Establishments have been involved in Pakistani politics since the country's inception in 1947. From the beginning, Pakistan's military was heavily involved in its political life. In 1958, General Ayub Khan overthrew Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon's elected government, which was Pakistan's first military coup.
General Yahya Khan took power in 1969 and remained in power until 1971, following a brief period of civilian rule. Pakistan was dived into a nationwide conflict during Yahya Khan's system, which prompted the withdrawal of East Pakistan (presently Bangladesh).
The military recovered power in 1977 when General Zia-ul-Haq toppled the chosen administration of Top state leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zia-ul-Haq managed until his passing in a plane accident in 1988.
Even though there have been a number of civilian governments in Pakistan since then, the military continues to have a significant impact on the country's political landscape. The military has been accused of influencing the media to support its preferred political candidates and of manipulating elections.
Effect on political decision making
Zia ul haq intervention in Pakistani politics
From 1978 until his death in 1988, Zia-ul-Haq, a Pakistani four-star general, was the sixth president of the country. He came to drive after a tactical upset in 1977, which ousted the public authority of Top state leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zia-ul-Haq's system was set apart by tyranny and the execution of Islamic regulations, which prompted expanded traditionalism in Pakistani society.
Knowing the political way of thinking and philosophy of General Zia-ul-Haq
One of the vital parts of Zia-ul-Haq's political way of thinking was Islamization. By introducing Islamic laws and policies, establishing Islamic schools and institutes, and encouraging the use of Islamic language and symbols in public life, he aimed to make Pakistan a more Islamic nation. As part of the Islamization process, his government also implemented the Hudood Ordinances, which made certain sexual offenses illegal and imposed severe penalties.
His opposition to secularism was another important aspect of Zia-ul-Haq's political philosophy. He considered secularism to be a threat to Islamic values and culture and held the belief that Pakistan ought to be a Muslim state governed by Islamic principles. Throughout his presidency, his policies and actions were influenced by this opposition to secularism.
Authoritarianism was also a hallmark of Zia-ul-Haq's regime, with media censorship, suppression of opposition voices, and restrictions on political freedoms. He extended the powers of the military and the knowledge organizations and utilized them to keep up with his grasp on power. Additionally, Zia-ul-Haq's support for the United States in the Soviet-Afghan War was influenced by his pro-US stance during his presidency.
Following a military coup in 1977, Zia-ul-Haq suspended Pakistan's constitution and declared martial law, arguing that it was necessary to restore order and stability to the country, which had been engulfed in political and economic turmoil under the previous government. This is how General Zia Ul Haq used martial law to consolidate power.
Zia-ul-Haq's administration took a number of measures during the time of martial law to establish its authority and silence opposition, including:
Political freedom restrictions: Political leaders and activists who opposed Zia-ul-Haq's government were detained and political parties and trade unions were outlawed. Additionally, his administration restricted media freedom by enforcing stringent censorship.
Increasing the government's influence over the military: By putting military officers in important government positions and establishing military tribunals to try civilians, Zia-ul-Haq increased the military's involvement in the government.
Islamization promotion: The Hudood Ordinances, enacted by Zia-ul-Haq's government to criminalize certain sexual offenses and impose harsh penalties, were examples of Islamic policies and laws. Additionally, the administration encouraged the use of Islamic language and symbols in public settings and established Islamic schools and institutions.
Repressing religious and ethnic minorities: Zia-ul-Haq's organization stifled the privileges of ethnic and strict minorities, for example, the Baloch and Shia people group, who confronted abuse and brutality.
Powerful concentration: The presidency of Zia-ul-Haq centralized power, reducing the role of the elected parliament and limiting the independence of the judiciary.
Influence of Zia Ul Haq on Pakistani Political Parties and Elections During his rule
All political parties were outlawed, limiting their activities. He introduced a party less electoral system in the hope that it would level the playing field for all candidates and eliminate corruption. However, the military played a significant role in manipulating the results in favor of Zia-ul-Haq's allies in the 1985 elections, which were held under this system and were widely criticized for being rigged.
The decision by Zia-ul-Haq to abolish political parties and institute a system of elections without parties did not completely eliminate political competition. Instead, it led to the formation of informal political alliances and groups that operated independently of the formal political system and frequently had connections to the military or intelligence agencies. These gatherings assumed a significant part in forming the political scene during and after Zia-ul-Haq's system.
Political parties were allowed to resume their operations after Zia-ul-Haq's death, but the legacy of his regime continued to restrict their freedom of operation. The military continued to play a significant role in politics, frequently working covertly to influence election outcomes and protect its own interests.
The legacy of Zia-ul-Haq also had a significant impact on political parties' ideological orientation. Religious parties with the intention of establishing an Islamic state in Pakistan emerged as a result of his advocacy for Islamization. His repression of leftist organizations played a role in the country's decline of socialist and communist parties.
Establishment impact on popular political leaders
Nawaz Sharif
Musharraf intervention in Pakistani politics
Who was General Parvez Musharraf?
General Yahya Khan intervention in Pakistani politics
Yahya Khan, born as Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan on February 4, 1917, was a Pakistani military officer who served as the President of Pakistan from 1969 to 1971. He had a distinguished military career before assuming the presidency.
Yahya Khan joined the British Indian Army in 1939 and continued his service in the newly formed Pakistani Army after the partition of India in 1947. He rose through the ranks and held several key positions in the military, including the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army from 1966 to 1971.
How General Yahya Khan used Martial Law to consolidate power?
Yahya Khan used martial law to consolidate his power in several ways.
One way was by dissolving the provincial assemblies, suspending political parties, and banning public meetings, processions, and strikes. This allowed Yahya Khan to exercise unchecked power without any democratic oversight. Additionally, he appointed military officers to key civilian positions and ensured that the military had control over the bureaucracy and the judiciary. This gave him total control over the state machinery and allowed him to exercise his power unopposed.
Another way Yahya Khan consolidated power was by using the military to suppress dissent and opposition. He arrested and detained opposition politicians, journalists, and intellectuals, and banned newspapers and other media outlets that were critical of his regime. He also used brutal force to suppress protests and demonstrations, resulting in the torture and extra-judicial killings of many people.
Yahya Khan also manipulated the political landscape to favor his regime. He created a new political system called the Basic Democracy, which was designed to give him control over local government and to sideline established political parties. He also created a new electoral system that favored his supporters and used it to rig elections in favor of his candidates.
How Yahya Khan played a role in creation of Bangladesh?
In 1970, Yahya Khan held general elections in Pakistan, which were won by the Awami League, a political party representing the Bengali population in East Pakistan. However, Yahya Khan and the military establishment refused to recognize the results of the election, triggering a political crisis. The military government subsequently launched a crackdown against Bengali nationalists, which resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including mass killings and rape.
The Bengali nationalist movement quickly turned into an armed struggle, with a group of Bengali nationalists forming the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) and launching attacks against Pakistani military installations. In response, Yahya Khan ordered the military to launch a crackdown, which quickly escalated into a full-scale war.
The Pakistani military was vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the Indian-backed Bengali nationalist forces. The conflict saw some of the worst atrocities committed in modern South Asian history, with both sides accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In December 1971, the Indian Army intervened in the conflict, and the Pakistani Army surrendered. East Pakistan subsequently became the independent country of Bangladesh, and Yahya Khan resigned as President. The war resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of Bengalis.
Yahya Khan's role in the war has been widely criticized. His government's actions led to the disintegration of Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. Yahya Khan's military regime is also accused of committing gross human rights abuses against the Bengali population. The war remains a deeply traumatic event in the history of Pakistan and continues to shape relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Contribution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on Pakistan and How He Formed Pakistan's Political Base
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Life and Achievements: An Examination
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, born on January 5, 1928, was a prominent Pakistani politician who left a lasting impact on the country's history as both the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. Bhutto played a significant role in shaping Pakistan's political landscape and his accomplishments are widely recognized.
Coming from a politically influential family, Bhutto received his education from prestigious institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford. He entered politics in the 1950s, initially serving under Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra. Bhutto quickly climbed the ranks and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Commerce and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In 1967, Bhutto founded the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which gained popularity by advocating for social justice, democracy, and pro-poor policies. His charismatic leadership and powerful oratory skills attracted a broad support base, particularly among the working class and rural population.
Bhutto's most notable achievement came in 1971 when he became the President and Chief Martial Law Administrator of Pakistan. Faced with the aftermath of the civil war and the secession of East Pakistan, he focused on rebuilding the nation and improving foreign relations. Bhutto implemented a policy of "Islamic Socialism" aimed at reducing socio-economic disparities. He introduced land reforms, nationalized key industries, and initiated measures to empower marginalized segments of society.
On the international stage, Bhutto played a significant role in promoting Muslim unity within Pakistan and on a global scale. He advocated for the rights of the Muslim world, particularly during the conferences of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Bhutto also took a strong stance against India's nuclear weapons program and played a crucial role in initiating Pakistan's own nuclear program.
How His Administration Influenced Pakistani National Relations?
Here are some keyways in which Bhutto's tenure influenced political interactions in Pakistan:
Promotion of Populist Politics: Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) adopted a populist platform, emphasizing social justice and pro-poor policies. This approach appealed to the working class and rural population, mobilizing a strong grassroots movement. Bhutto's charismatic leadership and populist agenda transformed political discourse and increased public participation in politics.
Democratization and Civilian Governance: Bhutto's rise to power marked a transition from military rule to civilian governance in Pakistan. His presidency and subsequent prime minister ship were instrumental in establishing and consolidating a democratic system in the country. Bhutto implemented constitutional reforms that empowered the parliament and strengthened democratic institutions. His emphasis on popular participation and civil liberties laid the foundation for a more inclusive political system.
Concentration of Executive Power: While Bhutto aimed to strengthen democracy, his tenure also saw a concentration of power in the executive branch. He introduced constitutional amendments that expanded the authority of the presidency and the prime minister's office. This centralization of power drew criticism and raised concerns about the potential for authoritarian tendencies.
Socioeconomic Reforms: Bhutto's policies included ambitious land reforms aimed at redistributing agricultural land to landless farmers. He also pursued nationalization, bringing major industries and banks under state control. These measures aimed to address socioeconomic inequalities and reduce the concentration of wealth and power. However, they faced resistance from vested interests and triggered political and economic challenges.
Assertive Foreign Policy: Bhutto pursued an assertive foreign policy, particularly in relation to India. He sought to raise Pakistan's global stature and championed the cause of Muslim unity. Bhutto played a key role in establishing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and advocated for the rights of Muslim nations. His assertiveness and nationalist stance in foreign policy influenced domestic politics and rallied support among nationalist factions.
The resignation of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had a profound impact on the establishment of democracy in Pakistan. It marked the first peaceful transition of power from an elected civilian government to a military administration. General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq took control through a military coup and declared martial law, initiating a prolonged period of military rule in the country.
Under Zia-ul-Haq's military regime, which lasted until 1988, political dissent was suppressed, civil liberties were curtailed, and the democratic process was significantly constrained. Political parties were weakened, and the military retained a dominant role in governance.
However, Bhutto's resignation also ignited a spirit of resilience and determination among political activists and proponents of democracy. It fueled a movement for the restoration of civilian rule, which gained momentum in the late 1980s.
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