Democracy and Military Rule in Pakistan (with Early Bangladesh Context)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to Pakistan’s military dominance, democratic struggles, and the early context of Bangladesh from 1947-1971.

Military Coup of 1999

The army takeover that ended Pakistan’s elected government and deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

General Pervez Musharraf

Army chief who led the 1999 coup, became President in 2001, and headed Pakistan’s military regime.

Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister removed from office by General Musharraf’s 1999 military coup.

Army Dominance in Pakistan

Persistent control of politics by the military, frequently overthrowing civilian governments.

Clergy (Pakistan)

Religious leadership whose social influence helps sustain military dominance and hampers stable democracy.

Landowning Aristocracy

Powerful rural elites allied with Pakistan’s military, contributing to democratic instability.

Pro-military Groups

Factions claiming political parties are selfish and chaotic, asserting national security requires army rule.

Conflict with India

Ongoing rivalry used to justify strengthening the Pakistani military’s political power.

Pro-democracy Sentiment

Public desire for civilian rule, reflected in a courageous press and active human-rights movement.

Human Rights Movement (Pakistan)

Civil society organisations advocating freedoms and challenging military rule.

Lack of International Support for Democracy

External powers’ reluctance to back civilian governments, encouraging continued army dominance.

Global Islamic Terrorism (perceived threat)

Security fear cited by Western states to justify support for Pakistan’s military regime.

Western Interests in West & South Asia

Strategic concerns (terrorism, nuclear weapons) that lead foreign governments to view the Pakistani army as a protector.

Dual Role of Musharraf

Situation—highlighted by a cartoon—where Musharraf acted simultaneously as President and Army Chief.

Bangladesh (1947-1971)

Eastern wing of Pakistan that resented West Pakistani domination and Urdu imposition before its independence in 1971.

Urdu Imposition

Policy enforcing Urdu as the national language, fuelling resentment in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Elections under Military Rule

Controlled polls held by army rulers to give their regimes a democratic façade.