PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 10TH

Chapter # 8 – Political Development in Pakistan 1947-2002

8.7.1 Discuss the Reasons Behind the 1999 Military Coup.

What is Military Coup?

A military coup, short for coup d’état, is a sudden and illegal seizure of power by a military faction or group, typically against a civilian government. In a coup d’état, the military force removes the existing government and assumes control over the state, often suspending or abolishing the constitution, dissolving legislative bodies, and imposing martial law. Military coups are usually carried out by high-ranking military officers or factions seeking to gain political power or to address perceived grievances with the existing civilian leadership. They can have significant consequences for the affected country, including political instability, human rights violations, and disruptions to governance and democracy.

1999 Military Coup

The 1999 military coup in Pakistan, led by General Pervez Musharraf, was a pivotal event in the country’s history that resulted in the overthrow of the civilian government headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The coup took place on October 12, 1999, when General Musharraf, then Chief of Army Staff, seized power and declared a state of emergency.

Tensions between the civilian government and the military had been escalating for some time, primarily due to disputes over military appointments and control. The immediate trigger for the coup was Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to dismiss General Musharraf while he was returning from an official visit abroad. This move was met with resistance from the military, leading to a swift and bloodless takeover.

Following the coup, General Musharraf assumed the role of Chief Executive of Pakistan and later declared himself President. The civilian government was dissolved, and Musharraf established military rule, which lasted until 2002 when he transitioned to a hybrid civilian-military administration.

The coup had significant implications for Pakistan’s political landscape, leading to a period of military rule marked by constitutional amendments, political repression, and challenges to democratic institutions. It also had repercussions for Pakistan’s international standing, with the country facing diplomatic isolation and sanctions from some Western nations.

The reasons behind 1999 military coup
The 1999 military takeover in Pakistan, initiated by General Pervez Musharraf and the military staff at the Joint Staff HQ, marked a significant turning point in the country’s history. Let’s explore the underlying reasons behind this momentous event:

1. Weak Political Control: The civilian government under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif struggled to maintain effective control over the military, leading to escalating tensions between the two entities. Attempts by the Sharif administration to assert authority over the military, such as the appointment of Lieutenant-General Ziauddin Butt as the army chief without consulting senior military officials, exacerbated the rift and contributed to the breakdown in civil-military relations.
2. High level of Corruption: Pakistan’s political landscape was plagued by widespread corruption, with allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power undermining public trust in the government. The military, viewing itself as a guardian of national stability and integrity, perceived intervention as necessary to combat corruption and restore order.
3. Ethnic Conflict and Instability: The coup-makers justified their intervention as a means to address ethnic conflicts and maintain stability in the face of rising unrest. The military saw itself as a stabilizing force, aiming to prevent further turmoil and maintain national cohesion.
4. End of Democratic Period: The 1999 coup brought an end to nearly 11 years of democracy in Pakistan since its restoration in 1988. While democracy had been restored, it was often marred by dysfunction and instability. The military saw itself as stepping in to prevent further political upheaval and ensure the country’s stability during this transition period.

A combination of internal political challenges, corruption, ethnic conflicts, and the military’s perceived role as a stabilizing force contributed to the 1999 coup. Within a mere 17 hours, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was replaced by General Pervez Musharraf, altering the trajectory of Pakistan’s political landscape.

Impact of Military Coup 1999 on Pakistan

1. Civilian Rule to Military Dictatorship: The coup abruptly ended Pakistan’s fragile experiment with democracy, marking the transition from civilian rule to military dictatorship under General Pervez Musharraf. This shift undermined democratic institutions and processes, eroding public trust in the political system.
2. International Condemnation and Isolation: The coup sparked international condemnation and sanctions from key allies and global powers, including the United States and European Union. Pakistan’s suspension from the Commonwealth and its isolation on the global stage strained diplomatic relations and exacerbated economic challenges.
3. Reforms and Policies under Musharraf: Despite facing criticism and opposition, Musharraf’s regime implemented a series of reforms and policies aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s economy, combating extremism, and strengthening governance. These initiatives, such as the devolution of power to local governments and educational reforms, shaped Pakistan’s domestic and foreign policies for years to come.
4. Impact on Civil Society and Media: The military crackdown on political dissent and curtailment of civil liberties had a chilling effect on civil society and media freedom. Journalists, activists, and opposition figures faced harassment, censorship, and arbitrary detention, leading to self-censorship and a decline in democratic discourse.
5. Economic Challenges and Uncertainty: The coup and subsequent military rule exacerbated Pakistan’s economic challenges, contributing to a decline in investor confidence, sluggish growth, and rising unemployment. The uncertainty surrounding the political situation and lack of accountability further hindered economic development and reform efforts.
6. Regional Security Dynamics: Musharraf’s regime pursued a policy of pragmatic engagement with regional and global actors, including support for the U.S.-led war on terror following the September 11 attacks. This approach had far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics, affecting Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries and its role in the geopolitics of South Asia.

The 1999 military coup in Pakistan had profound and multifaceted impacts, reshaping the country’s political landscape, undermining democratic institutions, and influencing its relations with the international community.