Political Evolution Since 1971

Outline
i. Introduction
ii. Historical Background
iii. Features of Political System
iv. Phases of Political Evolution
v. Challenges of Political Evolution
vi. How to overcome theses challenges
vii.Conclusion

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 1. Introduction
• In our history, the tragedy of 1971 is a dark
chapter.
• Pakistan was dismembered in 1971 due to
domestic election dispute and Indian
conspiracy.
• East Pakistan became Bangladesh and West is
the current Pakistan.
• Political evolution comprises of democratic as
well as military dictatorship.
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 1. Introduction
• Historically there were differences between
East and West Pakistan which were political,
economical and cultural.
• When the leadership failed to settle issues
peacefully, it led to Pakistan disintegration
after 1970 elections.
• A constitution was framed and political
evolution has been regulated under it.

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 1. Introduction
• In the political evolution of Pakistan since
1971;
• Elections have remained controversial,
• Charges of corruptions on politician,
• Involvement of military in Politics,
• Judiciary had remained subservient in the past,
• Political parties remained personality
dominated having no intraparty elections.
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 2. Historical Background (1947-1958)
• Early problems
• Delay in constitution making
• Failure of Political leaders
• Absence of elections
• Rise of bureaucracy
• Involvement of Military
• Political instability

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 2. Historical Background (1958-1971)
• Two military interventions;
• Ayub Khan-
– Abrogation of 1956 constitution
– BD System
– 1962 Constitution
• Yahya Khan-
– Abrogation of 1962 Constitution
– 1970 Elections and tragedy of East Pakistan

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 3. Features of Political System
• Federal System
• Parliamentary System
• Islamic System
• Military-Bureaucratic Oligarchy
• Multiple Party System
• Personality dominated Political Parties
• Lack of Accountability

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 4. Phases of Political Evolution
1. Socialist Democratic Phase (1972-1977)
2. Military (Zia-ul-Haq) Phase (1977-85)
3. Unstable Democratic Phase (1985-1999)
4. Military (Musharaf) Phase (1999-2002)
5. Remote controlled democracy (2003-2008)
6. Recent Democratic Phase (2008-2018)

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 Socialist Democratic Phase
• ZAB as President and PM-Democratic dictator
• Constitution of 1973-Article 6 (High Treason)
• Nationalization as part of socialism
• Nuclearization- Security concerns
• Land Reforms
• Relations with Muslim World - OIC
• Elections of 1977 – Allegedly rigged

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 Military Phase (1977-85)
• Suspension of Constitution of 1973
• Islamization and involvement in Afghan
Conflict
• Movement for Restoration of Democracy
(MRD)
• Non-Party based elections 1985
• Revival of Constitution and 8th Amendment
• “Advice” replaced “discretion” & 58(2)b
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 Unstable Democratic Phase
• 58(2)b was exercised four times during 88-96:
i. Zia removed PM Junajo in 1988 and
elections were held, BB became PM
ii. BB removed by GIK in 1990 and elections
were held and NS became PM
iii. NS removed by GIK in 1993 and elections
were held and BB became PM
iv. BB removed by Farooq Leghari in 1996
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 Unstable Democratic Phase
• In 1997 elections, NS secured 2/3rd majority
• The 13th Amendment deprived the President of
two powers
• Now the President was bound by the advice of
the PM
• The President was no more empowered to
dissolve the National Assembly and dismiss
the PM

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 Military (Musharaf) Phase
• Suspension of Constitution of 1973
• 7 Points Agenda – Devolution of Power
• Judicial validation- Zafer Ali Shah case
• Elections 2002, PML (Q) came to power
• 17th Amendment, similar to 8th Amendment
• Two important changes made:
i. ‘Advice’ replaced with ‘discretion’-
ii. 58(2)b

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 Remote controlled democracy
• Three PM changed without resorting to 58(2)b:
– Zafrullah Jamali (2003-2004)
– Chaudhary Shujat (45 Days)
– Shukat Aziz (2005-2008)
• Judicial Independence-Pakistan Steel Mill case
• Emergency of 2007 - Removal of Judges
• Lawyers Movement – downfall of Musharaf

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 Recent Democratic Phase (2008-2018)
• Elections of 2008 - PPP led coalition
Government, including ANP, MQM, JUI(F)
• Three Achievements
– Baluchistan Package September 2009
– 7th NFC Award December 2009
– 18 to 20th Amendments (2010 – 2012)
• Three Failures- Energy, Corruption, Security
• Judicial Activism – replacement of PM in 2012
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 Recent Democratic Phase (2008-2017)
• Elections 2013:Landmark transition- PML(N)
• Achievements:
i. National Action Plan 2014 – security
ii. Transparency International Report
iii. Energy and Economy – Improvement
iv. CPEC - A game changer
v. Electoral Reforms, 22 and 24 Amendment,
Election Act of 2017. FATA Merger 25th A.
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 Recent Democratic Phase (2008-2017)
• Failures:
– 8th NFC Award which was due in 2015
– Censes which were due in 2008
– Political Reconciliation missing-sit in
– Panama
• Elections in 2018 : Hope for the best

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 5. Challenges of Political Evolution
• Military involvement in Politics
• Corruption/Bad Governance
• Week Civilian institutions
• Feudalism
• Absence of free and fair elections
• Too many political parties
• Absence of intraparty elections
• Lack of participant political culture

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 6. How to overcome theses challenges
• Functional Specialization
• Strict System of Accountability
• Constitutional Rule
• Land Reforms
• Education
• Independent Election Commission
• Elections at all levels
• Good Governance

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 7. Conclusion
• It is concluded that political evolution has
taken place since 1971 including democratic as
well as dictatorships.
• It has experienced many ups and downs as far
as constitutional rule is concerned.
• Recently political evolution has improved and
would be further strengthened through 2018
election.

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