PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 10TH

Chapter # 8 – Political Development in Pakistan 1947-2002

8.6.1 Discuss the Political Changes that Took Place in Pakistan between 1988-1999.

1. End of Zia-ul-Haq’s Regime (1988):
   • General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who had ruled Pakistan since 1977, died in a plane crash in 1988.
   • His death marked the end of a prolonged military dictatorship and paved the way for a return to democratic governance.
2. Elections and Benazir Bhutto’s First Term (1988-1990):
   • In 1988, Pakistan held its first democratic elections after more than a decade.
   • Benazir Bhutto, daughter of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the first woman to lead Pakistan as Prime Minister.
   • Her government faced challenges, including economic instability and political opposition.
3. Dismissal of Benazir Bhutto’s Government (1990):
   • In 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed Benazir Bhutto’s government on charges of corruption and mismanagement.
   • This marked the first instance of an elected government being ousted by the President.
4. Nawaz Sharif’s First Term (1990-1993):
   • Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), became Prime Minister in 1990.
   • His tenure focused on economic reforms, privatization, and infrastructure development.
   • However, tensions with the President and allegations of authoritarianism marred his rule.
5. Benazir Bhutto’s Second Term (1993-1996):
   • Benazir Bhutto returned to power in 1993 after winning the elections.
   • Her second term faced challenges, including political instability, corruption allegations, and economic woes.
6. Dismissal of Benazir Bhutto’s Second Government (1996):
   • President Farooq Leghari dismissed Benazir Bhutto’s government in 1996 over corruption charges.
   • The dismissal led to fresh elections.
7. Nawaz Sharif’s Second Term (1997-1999):
   • Nawaz Sharif returned as Prime Minister in 1997 after his party won the elections.
   • His second term saw economic growth, but tensions escalated with the judiciary and the military.
8. Kargil Conflict (1999):
   • In 1999, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated during the Kargil conflict in the disputed region of Kashmir.
   • Nawaz Sharif’s government faced criticism for its handling of the crisis.
9. Military Coup and Musharraf’s Rule (1999):
   • In October 1999, General Pervez Musharraf staged a military coup, ousting Nawaz Sharif.
   • Musharraf assumed power and ruled Pakistan until 2008.