SIR ADNAN QURESHI _____ PAKISTAN STUDIES-HISTORY-CHAPTER 14___________________

CHAPTER 14: HOW SUCCESSFUL WAS PAKISTAN IN THE TWENTY YEARS FOLLOWING THE
‘DECADE OF PROGRESS’?

Synopsis of the Chapter:

3rd-16th December 1970: Indo-Pak War in East Pakistan in which Pakistan surrendered.

20th December 1970: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto became the first Civilian Chief Martial Law
Administrator.

21st December 1970: East Pakistan became Bangladesh as an independent state.

20th January 1972: Pakistan started its Nuclear Program with the help of China.

April 1972: Martial Law was lifted and the new assembly was called. A Committee to draft a
new Constitution was also set up.

27th April 1972: The PPP and PNA/JUI coalition government was formed.

2nd July 1972: Pakistan President, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi
signed the Simla Agreement or the Simla Accord.

October 1972: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto set up FSF (Federal Security Force).

3rd September 1972: nearly all schools and colleges were nationalized.

14th August 1973: The Third Constitution was passed. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto became the Prime
Minister and Chaudhry Fazal Elahi became the President. Ahmedis were declared as Non-
Muslims.

7th January 1977: General Elections were announced by Bhutto after facing opposition from
JUI and PNA.

March 1977: PNA (Pakistan National Alliance) led by General Asghar Khan blamed Bhutto for
rigging the election results.

ZULFIQAR ALI BHTTO:

Civil Martial Law Administrator: 20th December 1971- 2nd July 1972.

President: 2nd July 1972-14th August 1973

Prime Minister: 14th August 1973-5th July 1977.

Mir Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto served as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan during Ayub Khan’s reign,
from 1963 and worked hard for establishing strong foreign policy of the country. He resigned
from Ayub’s government in 1966 after feeling dissatisfied over Tashkent Declaration. He started
his political party, Pakistan People’s Party on 30th November 1967 with the slogan of ‘Islamic
Socialism’ promising (Roti, Kapra aur Makaan) to every individual. A Bengali Communist,
J.A.Rahim and Punjabi leader, Mubasshir Hasan helped Bhutto in establishing the party. Bhutto
became the most promising leader in West Pakistan during 1970 election after getting 81 seats
outs of 138.

President Bhutto addressing the nation via radio and television saying 'My dear countrymen,
my dear friends, my dear students, labourers, peasants... those who fought for Pakistan... We
are facing the worst crisis in our country's life, a deadly crisis. We have to pick up the pieces,
very small pieces, but we will make a new Pakistan, a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, a
Pakistan free of exploitation, a Pakistan envisaged by the Quaid-e-Azam'.

— Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, 1971.

DOMESTIC POLICIES:

a. CONSTITUTIONAL/ POLITICAL:

 Changes in the military:

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto brought major changes in the army. About 29 major army officers were
removed from their job including Chief of Air Staff, General Asghar Khan and Commander-
in-Chief General Gul Hasan. The Commander-in-Chief was changed as the Chief of the Army
Staff and General Tikka Khan was chosen as the Army Chief for his strong role in 1971 War.
After 1973 Constitution, the Prime Minister was entitled to choose the Chief od Army Staff
which gave a direct control of Bhutto over the army.
General Zia-ul Haq’s selection as the Chief of Army Staff on 1st August 1976 was also a part
of Bhutto’s reform in the army.

 Federal Security Force:

In Oct 1972, Federal Security Force, a special police force was formed with special authority
almost like the army. FSF arrested a number of politicians and removed army officers which
had played a negative role in 1971 War. Martial Law was lifted up and Pakistan became a
Presidential country and Bhutto became the President.

 1973 Constitution:
Bhutto had a vision to put Pakistan to road to parliamentary democracy. One of the major
achievements in Bhutto's life was drafting of Pakistan's first ever consensus constitution to
 the country. The Constitution was implemented on 14th August 1973 and Bhutto became
the Prime Minister of the country.
During his period in office the government carried out seven major amendments to the
1973 Constitution.
 The First Amendment led to Pakistan's recognition of and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.
 The Second Amendment in the constitution declared the Ahmadis as non-Muslims and
defined the term non-Muslim.
 The rights of the detained were limited under the Third Amendment.
 The powers and jurisdiction of the courts for providing relief to political opponents were
curtailed under the Fourth Amendment.
 The Fifth Amendment focused on curtailing the power and jurisdiction of the Judiciary.
 The main provision of the Sixth Amendment extended the term of the Chief Justices of the
Supreme Court and the High Courts beyond the age of retirement.

 Balochistan Military Operation:

Bhutto was popular in Punjab and Sindh only and PNA (Pakistan National Alliance) headed
by General Asghar Khan and Jamiat e Ulema e Islam (JUI) headed by Moulana Moudoodi
had coalition government in NWFP and Balochistan in April 1972. There were elements in
Balochistan which were reportedly alleged by Iran for destabilizing its border province.
In 1973, arms had been discovered in the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad for Baloch rebels for
which Bhutto dismissed the Governor of Balochistan. Bhutto planned a military operation in
Balochistan. Iran gave $ 200 million aid and 30 Huey Cobra helicopters to Pakistan which
resulted in internal provincial rift and later more problems for Bhutto.
The Operation lasted from 1973 to 1978 and it took the lives of 3,300 Pakistani troops,
5,300 Baloch, and thousands of civilians.

 Elections of 1977:
Pakistan had general elections on 5th January 1977. Bhutto again won the highest seats in
Sindh and Punjab but was not able to get majority in NWFP and Balochistan. Bhutto formed
the government but the two parties, JUI and PNA blamed Bhutto for doing rigging in the
elections in March 1977. It led to serious political violence in the country and mass protest
was done by the political parties. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Zia-ul-Haq came
to power and removed Bhutto’s government on 5th July 1977.

b. ECONOMIC REFORMS:

 Land reforms:
In the light of Ayub’s reforms, the land reforms were introduced on 1st March 1972. The
ceiling fixed for individual holdings for the irrigated land was fixed at 150 acres and that for
 the un-irrigated land it was fixed at 300 acres as compared to Ayub’s 500 and 1000 acres
for irrigated and un-irrigated land respectively.
The second wave of land reforms were introduced in 1977. 100 acres and 200 acres was the
ceiling for the individual land holdings for irrigated and un-irrigated land respectively. The
important land reforms included the reduction of land ceilings and introducing the security
of tenancy to tenant farmers. Huge tax exceptions were also introduced for small
landowners to encourage the growth of agriculture.
In 1975, small landholders of 12 acre irrigated and 25 acres un-irrigated were exempted
from land revenue and cesses. Generous tax deductions allowed for the purchase of
agricultural machinery, agriculture credit also channeled into financing mechanization.

 Industrial reforms:
Bhutto founded the National Development Finance Corporation (NDFC). In July 1973, this
financial institute began operation with an initial government investment of 100 million PRs.
Its aim was finance public sector industrial enterprises but, later on, its charter was
modified to provide finance to the private sector as well.
In 1972, major industries were nationalized. Cement, Sugar, Iron and Steel, Cotton textile
were improved. Several Industrial Zones were made in Karachi. Faisalabad, Lahore,
Peshawar etc. Loans were given to industrialists to establish large scale industries.
Pharmaceutical companies were banned from charging for a particular medical brand name
and so medicines became cheaper. However, this did see the profits of chemists fall
drastically.
Bhutto also established the Port Qasim and Pakistan Steel Mills at Karachi, the Heavy
Mechanical Complex (HMC) at Taxila and several cement factories.

 Agricultural reforms:
In 1976, the Bhutto government carried out the establishment of Federal Flood Commission
(FFC), and was tasked to prepare national flood protection plans, and flood forecasting and
research to harness floodwater.
Bhutto later went on to upgrade a number of dams and barrages built in Sindh Province.
The Government initiated schemes for combating water logging and salinity, Salinity
Control And Reclamation Programme (SCARP).
Due to these measures agricultural land resumed thus far is over 800,000 acres.
The landowners were not pleased in reduction of land and it turned out to be against
Bhutto.

 Banking and trade reforms:

 In 1974, banks were nationalized by Bhutto. The number of bank branches rose by 75%
from December 1971 to November 1976, from 3,295 to 5,727. It was one of the most
radical move made by Bhutto, and the Bank infrastructure was expanded covering all towns
and villages with a population of 5,000 in accordance with targets set after the
nationalisation of banks. By 1974, exports exceeded one billion dollars, showing a 60%
increase over the combined exports of East and West Pakistan before separation

c. SOCIAL REFORMS:

 Health reforms:
The Drug Act, 1972, was enacted which prohibited the manufacture and import of any drugs
under brand names after 23 December, 1972 and their sale after 31 March, 1973. This
angered the multi-national companies and they winded up their business from Pakistan
however local manufacturing was improved.
By a Presidential Order of 19th March 1972, 32 life Insurance companies were nationalized.
Emphasis is also being placed on medical education. Medical colleges in Karachi, Larkana,
Quetta, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi are being established.
Bhutto also tried to improve the infant mortality and age expectancy rates by introducing
Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units (BHUs). The infant mortality was 135/1000
births in 1973. Doctors and nurses were deployed in all around the country and they could
not take transfer unless they served a particular period of time.

 Educational reforms:
On 15th March 1972, educational policy was shared. In 1974 all schools were nationalized
by Bhutto. The Bhutto government established a large number of rural and urban schools,
including around 6,500 elementary schools, 900 middle schools, 407 high schools, 51
intermediate colleges and 21 junior colleges.
Bhutto also abandoned the Western education system and most of the literature was sent
back to Western world; instead his government encouraged the local academicians to
publish books on their respected fields. Though the local books were made cheaper to the
public, these reforms came with controversy. His government made Islamic and Pakistan
studies compulsory in schools. Book banks were created in most institutions and over
400,000 copies of text-books were supplied to students.
The Government's Education Policy provides for the remission of fees and the grant of a
number of scholarships for higher education to the children of low-paid employees.
establishing the world class Quaid-e-Azam University and Allama Iqbal Open University in
Islamabad in 1974, as well as establishing Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan in 1973
Bhutto established the Allama Iqbal Medical College in 1975.
However, there were many rural areas where schools were not established despite of
spending millions of rupees and the literacy rate moved from 26% to 27% only.
 Labour Reforms:
In 1972 the Bhutto government initially provided for some old age benefits for workers
through group insurance, increased rates of compensation and higher rates of gratuity.
The government introduced a pension scheme of old age benefits which would provide a
payment of Rs.75 a month to workers after retirement at the age of 55 for men and 50 for
women, on condition that the worker had completed a minimum of 15 years’ insurable
employment which was applied to all factories, industries, and establishments employing
ten or more workers drawing monthly wages up to Rs. 1,000.
In 1973, the government instituted Labour Courts to solve the issues dealt by labor. Labor
Law Ordinance 1975, to satisfy the militant labor force.
Govt. raised the wages and salaries which laid tremendous inflationary stress on the
economy.
The industrialists & factory owners were made responsible for bearing the expenditure of
education of one child of every worker or labourer. They guarantee to the workers their
long overdue fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, and
assurance of greater security of service; representation in management, group-insurance,
old age pension, free education for children and housing and medical facilities.

 Law Reforms:
In a historic declaration bringing to an end the notorious and outdated British system
conferring on District officers the power of both judiciary and executive, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto announced the separation of the judiciary from the executive. Under these reforms
the legal procedures have been simplified, rights and duties have been clearly defined and
criminal litigation made more liberal which meet the long felt needs and cherished desires
of the people.

 Peoples’ Welfare Programme:

To improve the life of a common people in both urban and rural areas, the Government has
launched a massive people’s works programme which seeks to harness the country’s vast
manpower resources in their spare time, of course with due compensation, mostly in kind,
on projects.
During 1972-73 allocation for the programme amounted to Rs. 220.3 million in four
provinces and Rs. 13 million on schemes in Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas. This
programme also envisages to provide 450,000 residential plot units in the Punjab and Sind.
Metalled and un-metalled roads will also be constructed which would provide facilities to
the farmers to market their good and reduce the margin of profit of the middlemen. The
allocation for 1973-74 is Rs. 18 million.
FOREIGN POLICY:

 Simla Accord:
From 29th June to 2nd July, 1972 Indira Gandhi and Bhutto met at Simla. Both countries
agreed to respect each other’s borders, in line with the UN Charter. In other words, the
occupied territories shall be returned and the troops shall be pulled back to the pre-war
positions. Both take gradual steps to normalize their mutual relations, which included
restoration of communication & transport, increase in the cultural, economic ties &
diplomatic relations. Jammu & Occupied Kashmir’s cease fire line shall be respected.
Both countries agreed to continue their talks about Kashmir and the return of the prisoners
of war. Bhutto brought back 93,000 POWs to Pakistan and secured 5,000 square miles held
by India and compromised on Kashmir stance on international platforms and recognizing
Bangladesh which were the key Indian demands.

 Visit to Soviet Union:

In May 1974, India carried out nuclear tests for which Pakistan tried to bring economic
sanctions on India by the help of United States however, Pakistan did not succeed in its
plans. In 1974, Bhutto, as Prime Minister, visited Soviet Union. Bhutto intensified Pakistan's
foreign policy towards more onto Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, and sought to
developed relations with both Soviet Union and the United States. Prime Minister Bhutto
deliberately undertook to improve relations with the Soviet Union and the Communist bloc.
Bhutto sought to developed and alleviated the Soviet–Pakistani relations, with Soviet Union
established Pakistan Steel Mills in 1972 which was completed in 1976 by the investment of
$ 1 billion.

 Military and Nuclear Programme with China:

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission's militarization was initiated on 20 January 1972 with
the help of China and, in its initial years, was implemented by Pakistan Army's Chief of Army
Staff, General Tikka Khan. The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP-I) was inaugurated
by Bhutto during his role as President of Pakistan at the end of 1972 with the aid and
assistance of China.
China became the military partner after the trade embargo of 1965 and had come closer to
Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway was initiated in 1963 and Heavy Mechanical Complex
was also built by the help of China.

 Second Summit of OIC:

From 22nd to 24th February 1974, Bhutto hosted the Second Summit of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) at Lahore where he delegated and invited leaders from the Muslim world
to Lahore, Punjab Province of Pakistan. About 34 major Muslim countries including Sheikh
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (Bangladesh), King Fahad (Saudi Arabia), Moammar Gaddafi (Libya),
 Sardar Daud (Afghanistan), Anwar-us-Sadaat (Egypt) and Yasir Arafat (Palestine) were few
major ones. Bhutto was a strong advocate of Afro-Asian Solidarity and had cemented ties
with Afro-Asian and Islamic countries and by 1976 had emerged as the Leader of the Third
World.
Pakistan was able to convince the Muslim world on the unanimous policy on the matter of
Kashmir and Palestine, the idea of united force and currency. Iran was the only Muslim
country which did not participate as it had issues with Iraq and Libya.
Pakistan also recognized Bangladesh at the time of Second Summit of OIC and developed
foreign relations by establishing embassy at Dhaka.

 Visit of China:
During Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s visit to Beijing in February 1972, he successfully negotiated an
economic and military aid package, worth $300 million for Pakistan, and China also agreed
to write off loans amounting to over $110 million.
China became close to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and agreed to support Pakistan on
military and economic platforms. Pakistan started its nuclear programme with the help of
China and many major projects were financed by China.

 Withdrawal from SEATO and Commonwealth:

Pakistan came out of the Commonwealth in 1972 in reaction to its insistence to accept
Bangladesh as an independent country. Similarly, Pakistan came out of SEATO in response
to not getting its support at the time of 1965 ad later 1971 wars.

Q: What was Balochistan Military Operation?

In January 1973, Bhutto ordered the Pakistan Armed Forces to suppress a rising insurgency in
the province of Balochistan. He dismissed the governments in Balochistan and the North-West
Frontier Province once more. Following the alleged discovery of Iraqi arms in Islamabad in
February 1973, Bhutto dissolved the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan. The operation, under
General Tikka Khan, soon took shape in a five-year conflict with the Baloch separatists. The
sporadic fighting between the insurgency and the army started in 1973 with the largest
confrontation taking place in September 1974. Later on, Pakistan Navy, under Vice-Admiral
Patrick Julius Simpson, also jumped in the conflict as it had applied naval blockades to
Balochistan's port. The Navy began its separate operations to seized the shipments sent to aid
Baloch separatists. Pakistan Air Force also launched air operations, and with the support of
navy and army, the air force had pounded the mountainous hidden heavens of the Separatists.
The Iranian military, also fearing a spread of the greater Baloch resistance in Iran, aided the
Pakistani military as well. Among Iran's contribution were 30 Huey cobra attack helicopters and
$200 million in aid.
Synopsis of the Chapter:

5th July 1977: General Zia-ul Haq, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army accused Bhutto for
bringing the Civil War and dismissed him.

5th July 1977: Martial Law was imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq.

September 1977: Bhutto was charged with conspiracy to murder of one of the politicians under
FSF. Lahore High Court announced Bhutto for Death Sentence.

18th March 1978: The case was then challenged in Supreme Court.

4th April 1979: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged in district jail in Rawalpindi.

1977: Zia banned Federal Security Force. Hudood Ordinance by Zia.

1979: Federal Shariah Court was set up by Zia.

1980: Zakat Ordinance by Zia.

25th December 1979: USSR attack on Afghanistan brought Zia under limelight in international
politics.

1st December 1984: Zia held the referendum.

1985: General Zia denationalized many companies. During his time, Pakistan received a huge
sum of $ 4 billion every year as remittances.

February 1985: Zia announced general elections in March 1985.

March 1985: The Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) opposed General Zia. Zia
defeated the MRD and chose Muhammad Khan Junejo, former member of PPP as Prime
Minister.

30th December 1985: Martial Law was lifted by General Zia. Eighth Amendment was passed.

29th May 1988: General Zia dismissed Muhammad Khan Junejo. Zia dissolved the National
Assembly and announced the next elections to be held in October 1988.

17th August 1988: General Zia along with Pakistan ISI Chief, nine other Pakistan Army Generals
and US Ambassador died in a plane crash in Bahawalpur.

1st December 1988: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s daughter and Co-Chairperson of Pakistan People’s
Party, Benazir Bhutto won the elections and became the youngest Pakistani Prime Minister
with 35 years of age.
 GENERAL ZIA-UL HAQ:

Martial Law Administrator: 5th July 1977- 18th September 1978.

President: 16th September 1978 -17th August 1988.

General Zia-ul Haq was chosen by Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on 1 st August 1976 after
General Tikka Khan retired as the Chief of Army Staff. Zia was preferred by Bhutto over five
senior officers. Zia revived the Islamic Ideology Council to enforce the Islamization programme
after coming to rule.

Operation Searchlight:

On July 5, 1977, Zia removed Bhutto in a bloodless coup, suspending the constitution and
declaring martial law. He announces elections will be held in 90 days. But simultaneously begins
a censorship regime. Political activists and journalists are arrested and flogged in public.

ZIA’S MAJOR POINTS ON ISLAMIZATION:

 December 2, 1978: Shariat benches constituted at the high court levels while an appellate
Shariat bench constituted at the Supreme Court level. Shariat benches could revisit any law
deemed to be un-Islamic. Prayers to be offered in congregation at all government offices
during working hours. All offices and shops to remain shut at the time of Friday prayers.

 February 10, 1979: Islamic penal laws enforcing ‘Hudood Ordinance’ (The Offence of Qazf)
are promulgated in pursuance of ‘Nizam-i-Islam’.

The Hudood Ordinance included:

 May 26, 1980: Establishment of Federal Shariat Court is announced. Three Ulemas were
appointed as judges to the Federal Shariat Court to make Shariah as the law of the country.
 Zina Ordinance restricted people for abstaining from adultery. In case of married man and
woman involved in adultery, the punishment was stoning to death as per Shariah.
 Theft Ordinance restricted the society as the punishment was cutting down the hand
publicly on the act of theft.
 Ramadan Ordinance eating or drinking during fasting was to be fined and punished.
 Alcohol Ordinance restricted people from abstaining themselves from alcohol by keeping
the punishment of 80 lashes of cane publicly. Making and sale of alcohol was banned in the
country.
 Zakat Ordinance of 1980 imposed a wealth tax of 2.5 per cent above a certain amount
which will be deducted from all accounts of banks on 1st of Ramadan by the Zakat
Committee. The Zakat Committee would use the amount for social welfare of the society.
 Ushr tax was imposed as 5 per cent on all agricultural income which would be implemented
on all agricultural lands.
 Qanun-e-Shahadat Order (Law of Evidence Order) considering woman’s testimony
(Shahadat) as half of that of a man’s. Strict laws on media women for covering their heads.
Women were discouraged to get jobs in public offices and were restricted to teaching and
nursing only.
 March 18, 1982: Changes introduced to the Pakistan Penal Code; Section 295-B stipulated a
life term for defiling, damaging or desecrating a copy of the Holy Quran.
 Study of Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies was made compulsory in all schools and colleges till
grade 12.
 April 27, 1984: Ahmedis were restricted not to speak their faith publicly and not making
their mosques.
 June 15, 1988: Zia promulgates the Shariat Ordinance, making Sharia supreme law of the
land.

Zia’s Constitutional/ Political Reforms:

5th July 1977: Martial Law was imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq and he became the Chief
Martial Law Administrator. He banned Federal Security Force.

13th May, 1978: Eleven journalists are sentenced by military courts and four journalists were
flogged. He also banned all political activities.

16th September, 1978: Gen Zia assumes office of President; retains the office of Army Chief.

1st December 1984: Zia held the referendum under the name of Islamisation. 95 percent of the
votes were given in his favour but the turnover was very low.

February 1985: Zia announced general elections in March 1985. The Movement for the
Restoration of Democracy (MRD) opposed General Zia. Zia defeated the MRD and chose
Muhammad Khan Junejo, former member of PPP as Prime Minister.

23rd March 1985: Jonejo became the Prime Minister of the country.

30th December 1985: Martial Law was lifted by General Zia. Junejo gave the power of
dismissing the Prime Minister and National Assembly to General Zia under the Eighth
Amendment to the constitution.

29th May 1988: General Zia dismissed Muhammad Khan Junejo to save any action against Army
generals of Ojhri Camp, an incident near Rawalpindi when a blast killed more than 100 innocent
people including women and children at an old army weapon reserve. Zia dissolved the
National Assembly and announced the next elections to be held in October 1988.
Q: What was Memorandum of Restoration of Democracy?

The Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), was a political alliance formed to
oppose and end the military government of President General Zia-ul-Haq. Directed and chaired
by Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan People’s Party, its primary objectives and aims were to
restoration of the democracy as well as gaining the civilian control of the military. It was formed
on 8th February 1981, the alliance had Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Awami National Party
(ANP), Pakistan Muslim League (Khwaja Khairuddin group), Pakistan Democratic Party, Tehreek-
e-Istiqlal, Awami Tehreek, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam, and Mazdoor Kissan Party. The alliance was
rooted in rural areas of Sindh Province and remained mostly nonviolent, was strongest among
supporters of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). It played a major role against Zia’s regime in
1985 and many of its leaders were arrested. It was dissolved on 24th August 1988 after the
death of Zia.

Q: What was the Eighth Amendment?

The Eighth Amendment allowed the President to unilaterally dissolve the National Assembly
and elected governments. The Majlis-e-Shoora amended the Constitution of Pakistan in 1985. It
is called Article 58 2(b) which gave special powers to the President to dissolve the National
Assembly. The first Prime Minister dismissed under the Eighth Amendment was Mohammad
Khan Jonejo in 1988.

Q: What was Ojhri Camp Incident?

On 10th April 1988, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi received a dreadful shock. It all
began with a low-density explosion, followed by a huge one, after which all kinds of missiles,
rockets and projectiles started raining down in all directions. Gen Zia-ul Haq was attending a
meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Kuwait and had to rush back home.
The officials assured the people that there was no reason for fear and that it was just an
accidental explosion at the arms and ammunition depot at Ojhri, located between Rawalpindi
and Islamabad. Over a 100 people were killed and many more injured.

Q: What was Islamization of Zia?

Islamisation of Zia was started in 1977 by making the country under the Shariah law. Shariat
Courts were established with senior Ulemas as judges. Quran and Sunnah became the supreme
law of the country. Hudood Ordinance was passed in 1979 bring Shariah punishments on
adultery, theft, alcohol drinking etc. He tried to eliminate the element of ‘Islamic Socialism’
started by Bhutto. Ahmedis were banned for their religious activities in the country. Women
were to follow Qanoon-e-Shahadat Ordinance for which some NGOs were displeased.
Zia’s Economic Reforms/ Denationalization Programme:

 Pakistan established more industries during 1977 and 1985 in particular and the growth of
Industrial sector remained high.
 Almost all banks, industries and schools and colleges were denationalized in the light of
getting more investment from other countries. During 1977 and 1986 the GNP remained
6.2% and it gave a boost to the economy.
 The growth of agriculture sector remained 3.9% during 1977 and 1988 from 2% in 1972 and
1977 whereas the growth of manufacturing sector had a growth of 9.2% per annum as
compared to 3.7% in 1972-77.
 Pakistan’s manufactured exports increased fourfold from US $ 1.3 billion 1980 to US $5.6
billion in 1983 with cotton textile and raw cotton contributing 60%.
 The growth of major crops like wheat, cotton, rice and sugarcane showed remarkable
growth.
 His denationalization Programme gained welcome from the masses despite of military rule.
Pakistan received $ 4 billion as remittances from overseas Pakistanis particularly from the
Middle East.
 The aid of $ 3.2 billion from the United States brought a rise in economic development and
GNP of Pakistan.
 To boost agriculture, interest free loans were given to the farmers which added more to the
growth of agriculture sector.
 The Karakoram Highway was completed which gave another rise to the trade to China from
Pakistan.
 The Hub Dam was constructed near Karachi to provide uninterrupted water supply to the
residents and industries of Karachi.
 Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan was started in Dec 1982.

Zia’s Foreign Policy:

 Afghan Miracle:
On 25th December 1979, USSR attacked on Afghanistan which brought Zia under limelight in
international politics. About three million Afghans migrated to Pakistan. Talibans were
supported by Zia in anti-communist beliefs to fight against USSR and was appreciated by
West. Pakistan received 3.2 billion dollars in six years by United States to help the refugees.
Zia gained high importance in the eye of the United States from 1979 and 1985. Later when
USSR started to decline from the war, Zia lost importance in UN policy as well.
 Visit to China:
Zia visited China and it became the largest military partner for both military and nuclear
programme. Karakoram Highway was completed by China in 1984. Several deals were
signed for the training and military supply to strengthen the army.

 Relations with Muslim countries:

After the earthquake of Afghanistan in 1974, Zia visited Afghanistan and PM Sardar Daud
appreciated the relief aid given from the Muslim neighbor. Sardar Daud also came to
Pakistan.
In 1979, after President Imam Khomeini came to power in Iran, Zia paid a visit and cleared
Pakistan’s stance on the support of United States in against the rising Russian influence in
Afghanistan. Pakistan had a clear support for Iran during the Iran-Iraq War.
During Zia’s time, Pakistan also supplied military power to Libya, UAE and Saudi Arabia
under UN peacekeeping missions. By 1985 there were in excess of 50,000 Pakistanis
working in the Middle East as a direct result of this policy.

 Cricket Diplomacy:
Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 and Pakistan was accused for
her murder which deteriorated the relations with India. Pakistan planned a cricket series
with India and Zia visited India in 1987 and met Rajiv Gandhi while watching the match at
New Delhi. Though the relations did not improve as Rajiv Gandhi did not accept Pakistan’s
clearance under the military dictatorship.

 Pakistan and the United Kingdom:

The British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher visited Pakistan in October 1981 and visited
Afghanistan border with Zia. This visit brought the Commonwealth and the United
Kingdom closer to Pakistan and later rejoined Pakistan in the Commonwealth in 1989.

General Zia’s rule became unpopular due to following points:

 The Afghan miracle brought guns and weapons as a part of smuggling.

 The Afghan refugees became a main reason of drug smuggling in the country.
 Except the Punjab, all other three provinces had opposition against Zia.
 The growing power from the West against USSR as Pakistan was a major ally.
 Army had a strong hold on the matters of the country. When PM Muhammad Khan Junejo
called the All Parties Conference in March 1988, Army took serious note of it.
 The destruction of the dump weapons of Army weapons at Ojhri Camp near Islamabad
when Army officers could be punished. General Zia dismissed Junejo before he could take
any action.
End of Zia’s rule:

17th August 1988: General Zia along with Pakistan ISI Chief, nine other Pakistan Army Generals
and US Ambassador died in a plane crash in Bahawalpur. The case remained an unresolved
mystery.

Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Chairman of the Senate, took over as acting President and announced the
general elections.

1st December 1988: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s daughter and Co-Chairperson of Pakistan People’s
Party, Benazir Bhutto won the elections and became the youngest Pakistani Prime Minister
with 35 years of age.

PAST PAPER QUESTIONS PRACTICE:

Q: ‘ISLAMIC REFORMS WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ZIA-UL-HAQ’S DOMESTIC POLICIES

BETWEEN 1977 AND 1988.’ DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR
ANSWER. [14] (J2010)

Q: ‘SOCIAL REFORMS WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ZULFIQAR ALI BHUTTO’S DOMESTIC
POLICIES BETWEEN 1971 AND 1977.’ DO YOU AGREE? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR ANSWER.
[14]

Q: ‘CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ZUFIQAR ALI BHUTTO’S

DOMESTIC POLICIES BE- TWEEN 1971 AND 1977.’ DO YOU AGREE? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR
ANSWER. [14]

Q: IN WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DID ZULfiKAR ALI BHUTTO HAVE MOST SUCCESS:

(i) REFORM AND CONTROL OF THE ARMED FORCES;

(ii) CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM;
(iii) EDUCATION AND HEALTH REFORMS?

EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER WITH REFERENCE TO ALL THREE OF THE ABOVE. [14]

Q: IN WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DID ZIA-UL-HAQ HAVE MOST SUCCESS BETWEEN 1977 AND
1988:

(i) ISLAMIZATION;
(ii) ECONOMIC AFFAIRS;
(iii) POLITICAL AFFAIRS?

EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER WITH REFERENCE TO ALL THREE OF THE ABOVE. [14]

Q: ‘ISLAMIC REFORMS WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ZIA-UL-HAQ’S DOMESTIC POLICIES

BETWEEN 1977 AND 1988.’ DO YOU AGREE? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR ANSWER. [14]
 SAMPLE ANSWERS:

Q: Why did Bhutto come to power? [7]

Ans: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came as the Civilian Martial Law Administrator in 1971 when the
condition of Pakistan was quite worse.

Firstly, Army had been defeated by India during 1971 war and was at a low ebb, Yahya (Martial
Law Administrator and President) had been disgraced and kept himself under House arrest. The
army was at a low ebb. Bhutto took the opportunity to seek power.

Secondly, East Pakistan had been independence in 1971 and became Bangladesh. Yahya and
army were blamed for their defeat. Bhutto decided to take advantage of this and force Zia
down and attempt to shape Pakistan.

Thirdly, Bhutto’s program of reforms: Food, Clothing and Shelter was attractive and appealed to
the electorate. Thus he won a majority in West Pakistan in the national assembly in 1970
elections by winning 81 seats. Thus it was his democratic right.

Q: Why Bhutto fell from power? [7]

Ans: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came down from his office in 1977 for several reasons which were his
political and administrative weaknesses.

Firstly, Bhutto was blamed for rigging the elections of 1977, which was apparent with PPP’s
“shocking” landslide victory. In some areas, the results were announced even before the votes
were counted. This effected his credibility and sowed the seeds for his decline.

Secondly, greatly angered the opposition alliance, the PNA which began large scale strikes and
demonstrations in all parts of Pakistan. This instability gave Zia, the Chief of army staff a reason
to take over by imposing Martial Law which ended Bhutto’s government.

Thirdly, the economic policies angered the populace. (nationalization, land reforms) and began
to work against his rule. The landlords were not happy as their lands were confiscated by
Bhutto. Many multinationals did not continue their businesses in Pakistan as Bhutto started to
take the ownership of their companies.

Q: Why Bhutto was executed? [7]

Ans: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was removed from his office in 1977 and was later executed for several
reasons.

Firstly, when Zia released Bhutto in 1977, he tried to reassert his political power by gaining the
support of the people as he was so well known for his policies. This was a threat to the rule of
Zia.
Secondly, Bhutto, along with three others was accused of murdering a political opponent,
Nawab Mehmood Khan Kasuri, by sending the FSF. The trial took place, lasted for two years,
found Bhutto guilty in 1978 and was hanged on 4th April 1979.

Thirdly, Bhutto had threatened Zia that he would charge him for tampering with the
constitution by imposing Martial Law, Zia feared punishment under article 6 of the constitution.
Thus got Bhutto was executed.

Q: ‘Social reforms were the most important of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s domestic policies between
1971 and 1977.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

Ans: Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto remained successful for his domestic policies and the social reforms
were the most highlighted one which gave immense importance to his rule.

Firstly, amongst Bhutto’s social reforms, free primary education was introduced. New schools
were to be built and all private sector schools were nationalised. The aim was to increase the
literacy rate and raise academic standards. The changes in education led to overcrowding in
existing schools while new ones could be built. The reforms were not very successful since the
building of new schools and the recruitment of new teachers could not be achieved quickly and
was also very expensive. Many families resented the educational reforms since it meant a loss
of earnings to them.

Secondly, he also tried to improve the infant mortality and age expectancy rates by introducing
Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units. Pharmaceutical companies were banned from
charging for a particular medical brand name and so medicines became cheaper. However, this
did see the profits of chemists fall drastically and many international drug companies closed
down their operations in Pakistan. However other aspects of his domestic policies were also
important.

Thirdly, Bhutto worked on improving the Social Welfare by introducing People’s Welfare
Programme to improve the life of a common people in both urban and rural areas.
During 1972-73 allocation for the programme amounted to Rs. 220.3 million in four provinces
and Rs. 13 million on schemes in Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas. This programme also
envisages to provide 450,000 residential plot units in the Punjab and Sind. Metalled and un-
metalled roads will also be constructed which would provide facilities to the farmers to market
their goods.

However, there were constitutional reforms which gave a limelight to Bhutto. The new
constitution drawn up in 1973 established a Senate which offered the opportunity for
professionals, academics and specialists to work together. It also safeguarded the interests of
minority provinces which now had an equal status in the Senate. He produced the 1973
Constitution in an attempt to return to a form of parliamentary democracy and it was
important since it is the basis upon which Pakistan has been governed to the end of the 20th
Century apart from when it was suspended due to martial law. One of the main weaknesses of
the new constitution was that the focal point of political power lay with the party leadership
and Bhutto in particular. When things went wrong the blame was clearly laid at his feet.

Similarly,

Q: Why did Zia ul-Haq introduce his Islamic reforms between 1977 and 1988? [7]

Ans: Zia-ul Haq introduced a number of Islamic reforms during 1977 and 1988 for a number of
reasons.

Firstly, Zia introduced the Islamic laws in an attempt to produce a strong and stable
government managed by people committed to Islamic values. He ignored the political process
because he felt that Pakistan was weaker as a result of these. He therefore made the Islamic
laws very strict in order to produce a strong government by imposing a strict legal code.

Secondly, he also wanted to implement laws which punished people for showing disrespect
towards the Holy Prophet and ensured that Islamic education was implemented in schools so as
to raise Islamic awareness amongst students.

Thirdly, he also wanted to distribute some wealth to the poor and needy by introducing Islamic
taxes in the country. The Zakat Ordinance in 1980 by Zakat Committee ensured dedication of
2.5% of the tax which was used on social welfare.

Q: ‘Zia-ul Haq’s foreign policy was more successful than his domestic reforms’. Do you agree
or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

Ans: General Zia-ul Haq came to power in July 1977 and ruled till August 1988 and took a
number of measures for foreign policy which remained successful as compared to domestic
policies.

Firstly, the foreign policy remained the highlight of Zia’s time. The Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan in 1979 led to the West working very closely with Pakistan and providing military
and economic support in return for becoming a base for anti-Soviet activities. About $3.2 billion
were received by Pakistan from the United States in terms of aid for afghan miracle support.

Secondly, Zia’s standing in the West increased and he was able to gain more investment from
Europe as well as aid from United States during the Afghan miracle time. The British Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher visited Pakistan and developed cordial relations which helped
Pakistan later to rejoin the Commonwealth.

Thirdly, the relations with Afghanistan during 1977 and 1986 remained very successful when
Sardar Daud visited Pakistan and the air of trust was developed between the two Muslim
neighbours improved. Similarly, Pakistan played an important role in the peacekeeping in Saudi
Arabia, Libya and UAE. By 1985 there were in excess of 50,000 Pakistanis working in the Middle
East as a direct result of this policy.

On the other hand, Zia introduced Islamic laws in an attempt to produce a strong and stable
government managed by people committed to Islamic values. He ignored the political process
and therefore the Islamic laws were very strict in order to produce a strong government. The
Hudood Ordinance and Shariah Courts restricted the society under Islamic laws.

Similarly, with regard to economic affairs, efforts to increase investment were met with some
success since many of the previous nationalisation programmes were reversed and the private
sector was encouraged to re-invest. Efforts were also made to increase the efficiency of
government-run industries. The GNP remained 6.2% during this time and many major industries
were established.

In the same way, there was a need by Zia to establish a measure of legitimacy to his presidency
by declaring legal all the military actions since 1977. The passing of the Eighth Amendment in
1985 gave the President the power to dismiss the Prime Minister of the time. As a result of this,
martial law was lifted but Zia remained President, unchallenged.

In the light of the above statement, it can be said that the policies given by Zia in terms of
foreign area remained important and remittances and aid raised the economy however, the his
policies for changing the constitution and Islamisation programme did not fulfil the purpose
and created more issues for him.

Prepared and Compiled by:

Sir Adnan Qureshi

0333-2248681

adnanqureshi8096@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/adnan.qureshi.5473