Overview of Political History in Pakistan Since 1971

  • The political context in Pakistan post-1971 focuses on three long-term policy approaches following the secession of East Pakistan, which formed Bangladesh.

Long-Term Policies Post-1971

  • External Alliances:

    • Pakistan sought external allies to counterbalance India.

  • Defense Expenditure:

    • Resources directed towards military expenditure.

  • Islamic Proxies:

    • Utilization of Islamic proxies to destabilize India’s position in Kashmir.

  • These policies remained consistent, indicating that the military maintained control over security and strategic decisions even during civilian rule.

Demographic Changes and Ethnic Tensions

  • Post-1971, the demographic landscape changed:

    • Loss of East Pakistan led to an increased prominence of Punjab.

    • Resentment arose from minorities like Sindhis and Baluchis due to perceived neglect in favor of Punjabis.

  • Sectarianism:

    • Increasing sectarian tensions, especially against non-Sunni Muslims and non-Muslims, stemming from discrimination in political and economic policies.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Regime (1973-1977)

Rise to Power

  • Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZA Bhutto) became Prime Minister in 1973 after losing East Pakistan led to military discreditation.

    • National Assembly adopted a new constitution in 1973.

Policies and Failures

  • Defense Spending:

    • Increased defense expenditure, surpassing 200% rise, drastically reduced funding for education, healthcare, housing, and food subsidies.

  • Populist Promises:

    • Campaign promises of food, clothing, and shelter went unfulfilled due to disproportionate resource allocation.

  • Cultural Discrimination:

    • Discriminatory policies against ethnic nationalists, such as the Baloch, led to conflicts and violent uprisings.

  • Oppression of Ahmadis:

    • Institutionalized repression via the Second Amendment (1974), declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims.

Zia-ul-Haq's Regime (1978-1988)

Military Rule and Islamization

  • General Zia-ul-Haq’s rise marked a return to military rule, bringing about:

    • Increased intolerance and Islamic militancy within Pakistan.

  • Foreign Policy:

    • Aligned with the US during the Soviet-Afghan war, receiving military and economic aid in exchange for combating Soviet influence.

  • Intensified Islamization:

    • Implementation of Sharia laws, introduction of Islamic courts, and educational reforms promoting Urdu and Islamic teachings.

Domestic Impact

  • Rise in the establishment of mosques and madrassas (around 12,000 mosques from 1983-1984).

  • Marginalization of non-Muslims and sectarian violence against minority groups intensified.

  • Brutal repression of dissent, including torture and public flogging of opposition activists.

Benazir Bhutto and Political Turbulence (1988-1999)

Return to Democracy

  • Benazir Bhutto, daughter of ZA Bhutto, became PM in 1988 but faced:

    • Ongoing political infighting, corruption charges, and ethnic conflicts.

    • Continued military influence behind the scenes.

Economic and Security Challenges

  • High military spending overshadowed socio-economic policies meant to uplift the population.

  • Presence of militia and terrorist organization development, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET).

  • Nuclear tests (1998) and Kargil conflict (1999) created economic instability due to US-imposed sanctions.

Pervez Musharraf's Regime (1999-2008)

Military Governance

  • Musharraf’s coup in 1999 justified by claims of political corruption.

  • Initial economic reforms failed to provide lasting solutions to the legacy of Islamic militancy and socio-economic pressures.

Ambiguous Foreign Policy Post-9/11

  • Post-9/11, Pakistan allied with the US in anti-terrorism operations while maintaining ties with non-Kashmir based militants, leading to internal conflict.

  • Repression of dissent intensified in response to militant backlash, including attacks on military and civilian targets.

Recent Political Developments (2008-Present)

Transition to Civilian Rule

  • Asif Ali Zardari, PPP president post-Benazir Bhutto's assassination, attempted to democratize further by reducing presidential power and addressing provincial grievances while extending his term.

  • Nawaz Sharif’s subsequent era marked by escalating militant activity and public discontent over corruption.

Current Scenario

  • Imran Khan, elected in 2018, represents ongoing change and challenges:

    • The military's influence has decreased somewhat following Musharraf’s exit.

    • Increased coordination between provincial and federal governments, with a consensus on addressing Islamic extremism.

  • Overall, despite past challenges, there are indications of political evolution and potential pathways toward stability in Pakistan.