2. IMPORTANT EVENTS AND POLICIES
Doctrine of necessity issued by judges
Legitimizing power through accountability (FSF and Bhutto)
Suspension of constitution
Amnesty for Baloch separatists
Islamization (Shariat Court, demonizing Socialism, Hudood Ordinance, Ushr Ordinance, limiting
rights of women and minorities)
Afghan Miracle
Amendment in constitution
5. ISLAMIZATION
Zia ul Haq had promised elections but since he did not want PPP to come to power, which was the most
united, organized political party in Pakistan in both Sindh and Punjab, Zia introduced a series of policies
to implement Islamic ideology in Pakistan.
There was a need by Zia to establish a measure of legitimacy to his presidency by declaring legal all the
military actions since 1977. The passing of the Eighth Amendment in 1985 gave the President the power
to dismiss the Prime Minister of the time. As a result of this, martial law was lifted but Zia remained
President, unchallenged
An attempt to produce a strong and stable government managed by people committed to Islamic
values.
He ignored the political process and therefore the Islamic laws were very strict in order to produce a
strong government.
With regard to economic affairs, efforts to increase investment were met with some success since many
of the previous nationalization programs were reversed and the private sector was encouraged to re-
invest.
Efforts were also made to increase the efficiency of government- run industries. To counter Bhutto’s
slogans of socialism, he reinforced orthodox Islamic practices which he believed were more beneficial for
Pakistanis. This made him popular among Americans because socialism had made Pak close to
Russians which were enemies of Americans during this period (Cold War)
6. Shariat Courts:
Set up in 1980.
Federal court with ulemas on the bench along with judges
Decide whether existing laws were in accordance with Islamic laws
Hudood Ordinance:
Punishments to discourage people from practicing anything un Islamic (drinking, gambling, adultery)
Punishments included whipping, amputation, and stoning to death.
These were controversial and led to widespread movement for women rights and democracy, led by PPP
Ushr Ordinance was 5% tax on all agricultural income. Used by Zakat Committees set by the govt
Zakat Ordinance made a 2.5% tax compulsory on all savings above a certain amount. Used by Zakat Committees to
help the needy locally
Made Islamiat and Pakistan Studies compulsory at all levels of primary and secondary education
Special marks for Hafiz in Civil Service exams and other merit areas
Stricter dress and behavior codes
Women and minorities suffered discrimination
8. AFGHAN MIRACLE
Initially Zia’s martial law was not popular internationally. It was a show of force and deconstruction of democratic
process in a country which had already suffered mostly military dictatorships.
But after USSR invasion of Afghanistan, USA befriended Pak and made it its frontline ally in its proxy war with USSR
(Cold War)
Pakistan’s economy boosted due to American and KSA support of money, investments, arms and weapons as well as
training.
Zia’s standing in the West increased and he was able with their support to sell military assistance to other Muslim
countries.
By 1985 there were in excess of 50,000 Pakistanis working in the Middle East as a direct result of this policy.
Pakistan’s army trained Afghanis and started a guerilla war that after ten yers resulted in the withdrawal of USSR
forces from Afghanistan.
The invasion also resulted in a massive migration of Afghanis into Pakistan which was unplanned and led to tensions
between migrants and locals.
Culture of sectarianism, tribalism, casual violence and religious intolerance began from this period.
11. MILITARY NATURE OF THE GOVT
Civil service was filled by army officers who were supporters of Zia
40% of ambassadors outside Pak were army officers
In 1985, elections were due but it was clear that Zia had no intentions of allowing political parties to
contest in it.
Widescale combined opposition led to start of MRD (Movement for Restoration od Democracy) for free
and fair elections.
Zia did not give into pressure and introduced constitutional changes which made it presidential in nature,
legitimized all actions since his start of power.
To gather support Zia held a referendum which was phrased that if people wanted the islamization of Pak
as brought by Zia then they should vote yes. MRD advised people not to vote. Only 10% of eligible
people voted. It was in favor of Zia.
1985 elections held, without campaigning or participation of political parties but turnout was good (52%).
Former PPP member, M.Khan Junejo was made the Prime Minister. Assembly and the Cabinet was loyal to
Zia. MRD was defeated.
12. PROBLEMS FOR ZIA
Afghan miracle brought smuggling, drug
trafficking and Kalashnikov culture to Pak streets
Punjab was the only province in favor of the
central govt.
Sindh was ungovernable due to its frequent
outbreak in violence. Started demanding
secession
NWFP faced the refugee problem.
Baloch tribal leaders enjoyed amnesty but strong
anti govt sentiments persisted
Soon internationally Afghan problem came to
resolution and Pak was told to stop its supply of
arms to Mujahideen, which it now did not want
to.
Ojhri Camp blast resulted in civilian deaths.
Junejo demanded immediate inquiry even if
army officers were responsible. Zia did not take
nicely to it and dismissed his govt immediately
on charges of corruption.
USA was withdrawing its support
