Pakistan since 1971

HIST2619: Lecture 19 - Pakistan since 1971

Lecture Overview

• I. Context

• II. Z.A. Bhutto’s Populism and Failure at Democratization

• III. Zia-ul-Haq’s Regime: Intolerance and Islamic Militancy

• IV. Post-Zia Period – Failed Democratic Attempts

• V. Post 2000 Period – Rise of Islamic Militancy

• VI. Conclusion

I. Context

• Background: The breakaway of East Pakistan led to significant shifts in policy for Pakistan.

• Long-term Policies Intensified:

  1. Search for External Allies: Development of strategic partnerships.

  2. Increased Defense Expenditure: Allocation of resources towards military over social needs.

  3. Destabilization of India's Position in Kashmir: Actions taken to undermine Indian influence in the region.

• Post-1971 Period: The provinces, especially Punjab, gained increased importance as Pakistan redefined itself.

• Islamicization: Efforts to align the state more closely with Islamic principles, impacting societal structure.

• Resentment Among Minorities: Ethnic groups such as Sindhi, Baloch, Pakhtun, and Mohajirs felt marginalized.

• Sectarian Violence: Non-Muslims and non-Sunni Muslims faced increased attacks, indicating rising sectarianism.

II. Z.A. Bhutto’s Populism and Failure at Democratization

• Assumption of Power: Z.A. Bhutto became Prime Minister in 1973.

• Military Spending: Defense expenditure increased by 200%, which redirected funding away from essential services:

  • Education

  • Health Care

  • Housing

  • Food Subsidies

• Repression of Ethnic and Sectarian Groups: Targets included the Baloch people and the Ahmadis as they faced discrimination.

• Populist Measures: Bhutto implemented superficial reforms aimed at the poor, such as:

  • Increased wages

  • Land reforms aimed at wealth redistribution.

• Military Coup: The regime fell to a military coup in 1977 led by Zia-ul-Haq.

III. Zia-ul-Haq’s Regime: Intolerance and Islamic Militancy

• Period of Rule: Zia-ul-Haq's governance lasted from 1978 to 1988, characterized by:

  • Intolerance towards differing sects and ideologies

  • Rise in sectarian violence and Islamic militancy.

• Support for Mujaheedin: During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Zia's regime aligned with the Mujaheedin, receiving backing from President Reagan's administration.

• Islam as Stabilization Tool: Increasing social instability led to Islam being used as a means for state stability.

• State-Sponsored Islamization: Policies included:

  • Introduction of an Islamic legal code

  • Promotion of the Urdu language

  • Establishment of mosque schools.

• Opening of Mosques: Approximately 12,000 mosques were established between 1983-84, leading to:

  • Heightened sectarianism

  • Marginalization of minorities, particularly the Ahmadis labeled as non-Muslims.

• Authoritarian Governance: Policies included martial law for the first eight years, enhancing Zia's presidential powers:

  • The 1978 decree gave him the right to dismiss the Prime Minister.

  • Political parties were curtailed, and dissent was repressed.

IV. Post-Zia Period: Failed Democratic Attempts

• 1988 Elections: Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Z.A. Bhutto, became Prime Minister but faced:

  • Political infighting

  • Continuation of personality-driven politics

  • Corruption allegations.

• Ongoing Ethnic Conflicts: Ethnic strife persisted, coupled with the persecution of minorities.

• Military Influence: The military's role heightened, particularly due to engagement with armed militias in Afghanistan, including the Taliban.

• Indo-Pak War: Significant tension culminated in the Indo-Pak war of 1999.

IV. Post-Zia Period: Continued Challenges

• Economic Difficulties:

  • Lack of US aid required an IMF bailout, reflecting economic instability.

• Military Dominance: High defense expenditures limited resources available for developmental needs.

• Politicians' Failures: Political figures like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif could not establish a working democracy and:

  • Formed alliances with extremist groups.

• 1999 Military Coup: Led by General Pervez Musharraf, bringing another shift in leadership.

V. Post 2000 Period – Rise of Islamic Militancy

• Musharraf Regime (2001-2008): Initially perceived as liberal, his administration:

  • Opened Pakistan’s electronic media

  • Allowed a freer press.

• Major Challenges: Long-term issues regarding economic development continued, compounded by:

  • The impact of Islamization on societal development.

• Impact of 9/11: The regime's foreign policies adjusted following September 11, leading to three significant legacies:

  1. Prolonged issues regarding engagement with Islamic militants.

  2. Unpopularity due to pro-Western policy implementations.

  3. Economic growth from foreign investments that masked deeper systemic issues.

V. Post 2000 Period – Continued Militancy

• State Relations with Militant Groups: The government's ambiguous position regarding various groups highlighted:

  • A shift away from the Taliban following Operation Enduring Freedom focused on capturing Osama bin Laden.

• Militant Attacks: Since 2007, there was an increase in militant attacks targeting state security services, culminating in:

  • The assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

• Political Developments: In 2008, Asif Zardari (Bhutto’s spouse) ascended, attempting to steer towards democratization.

• 2013-2017 Period: Nawaz Sharif served as Prime Minister, but militant activities surged, leading to negotiations with the Taliban.

• 2018 to Present: Imran Khan from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leads, navigating ongoing challenges.

Conclusion

• Post-1971 Context: The military’s dominance shaped Pakistan's political landscape, with a consistent trend of failed democratization attempts by elected leaders like Z.A. Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Nawaz Sharif.

• After Musharraf’s Era: A noticeable retreat of the military from political affairs. Political parties such as PPP, PML, and PTI began asserting their influence.

• Ongoing Issues: The threat posed by Islamic extremism remains a critical challenge requiring resolution to stabilize the nation further.