Government of Pakistan in History From 1947 to 2022

Pakistan in History: The topic covers two main parts. Part 1 covers events from 1947-1971 whereas Part 2 covers 1971-2022. Pakistan separated from British India in 1947 through a constitutional struggle. Usually, independence occurs through wars. But, Quaid-e-Azam accomplished this feat through a constitution. It in itself was a great success of Ninety. Later, Quaid-e-Azam died in 1948 and Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951.

Events Sikandar Mirza (1956-1958), Ayub Khan (1958-1969), Yahya Khan (1969-1970), Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (1970-1977), General Zia Ul Haq (1977-1988), Benazir Bhutto (1988-1990), Nawaz Sharif (1990-1993), Benazir Bhutto (1993-1996), Nawaz Sharif (1997-1999), General Pervez Musharraf (1999-2007), Asif Ali Zardari (2007-2013), Nawaz Sharif (2013-2018), Imran Khan (2018-2022), Shahbaz Sharif (2022 to onward) are shared.

You may also like Nearest Planets to Earth and Planets of the Solar System

Government of Pakistan in History From 1947 to 2022 Details

It was not easy to take administrative actions after the creation of Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam supervised all national affairs and experienced several challenges like the settlement of refugees, basic principles of economy, etc. However, he advised to govt services in his speech to start serving people and said that individual language should not be preferred over others but should be equal for all. Furthermore, he announced that our economy would base on Islamic principles. On 1st July 1948, Quaid-e-Azam inaugurated the State Bank of Pakistan.

Pakistan in History – Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah advised the students to focus on their studies and keep themselves away from politics. Despite his illness in 1940, he showed his dedication and determination for the freedom of Pakistan through his leadership, hard work, and communication. Today, his slogan “Unity Faith and Discipline” is seen almost in every office in Pakistan. Unfortunately, people do not follow. Earlier, Quaid-e-Azam faced many initial problems. The initial issues in a very new state were not easy to handle.

Also, visit: What are the Top 10 Unsolved Mysteries

PART 1:

Initial Problems of Pakistan in History

Administrative Problems

• Govt. offices
• Govt. buildings
• No administrative structure

Social Problems

• Refugees problem
• Medical & health problems

Political Problems

• Constitutional problem
• Water canal problem – 1st April 1948
• Death of Quaid-e-Azam – Sep 11, 1948
• Security problems

Economical Problems

• Division of assets – 75 c
• Division of Military
• Poor infrastructure
• Poor industrial system
• Lack of economists
• No banking system
• No international trade

Water Canal Problems

• On April 1, 1948, India blocked river water for Pakistan which then caused damage to crops
• Pakistan approached the World Bank to resolve this issue
• on Sep 19, 1960, the Indus water treaty was signed that decided to divide the rivers
• Bias, Ravi, Sutlej – India
• Chenab, Jhelum, Indus – Pakistan

Accession of States

Pakistan in History – 562 Princely States were allowed to join Pakistan or India in which they were interested. However, most of them were nearly attached to India geographically. In 1941, 77% Muslim census was seen in Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir wanted to join India. Later, the people of Kashmir voiced solidarity for accession with Pakistan. Mujahideen of KPK and the Pakistan Army helped Kashmiris in independence. Today, it is called Azad Kashmir.

Junagadh, a state 480 km away from Karachi, had a large population of Hindus. On September 15, 1947, a Muslim chief in Junagadh wanted to join Pakistan. India sent its troops and captured Junagadh. A year later, Nizam, a Muslim head of Hyderabad, wanted accession to Pakistan on 24th August 1948. So, India also captured Hyderabad.

Red Cliff Awards

Pakistan in History –

• Bengal and Punjab
• Two members from each side

Punjab

• Pakistan Members – J. Din Muhammad and J. Muhammad Tahir
• Indian Members – J. Mehr Chand Mahajan and J. Tej Singh

Bengal

• Pakistan Members – J. Abu Saleh Akram and J. S.A Rehman
• Indian Members – J. C.C Biswas and J. B.K Mukerjee

Injustice with Pakistan in Punjab

• Gurdaspur
• Pathankot
• Batala
• Ferozpur and Zira

Injustice with Pakistan in Bengal

• Kolkatta is formally known as Calcutta
• Murshidabad and Nadia

Objection Resolution 12th March 1949

Initially, Pakistan Implemented the Indian Constitution of 1935 to run a system. It was the time when Pakistan faced a constitutional crisis. An issue “Right and Left Wing” occurred where the right-wing wanted an Islamic constitution while the left wing (in power) wanted it to be a liberal constitution. However, Liaquat Ali Khan (Prime Minister) made a decision and passed the objective resolution from the assembly on 12th March 1949. The following are the resolution key points:

• Sovereignty of ALLAH
• Quran and Sunnah
• Federal System
• Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Equality
• People’s Responsible Govt.
• Minorities Rights
• Fundamental Rights
• Free Judiciary

Early PMs of Pakistan from 1947-1956

After the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, Four Prime Ministers of Pakistan in history changed in five years. However, below are the given names listed:

• Sir Khawaja Nazimuddin
• Mohammad Ali Bogra
• Chaudhry Mohammad Ali
• Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy

1956 Constitution

In 1956, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali and Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy drafted a constitution (234 articles, 13 parts, six schedules) that came into effect immediately.

Key Features

1. Sovereignty of ALLAH
2. Name of the Country
3. Muslim head of state
4. Islamic principles
5. Islamic way of life
6. Safeguard of Islamic principles
7. Relation with Islamic countries
8. Organization of Zakat and Awqaf
9. Minorities rights
10. Free Judiciary

Pakistan in History: Iskandar Mirza Era 1956-1958

The office was established after Pakistan declared a republic when the 1956 constitution came into existence. Hence, Iskandar Mirza became the first president of Pakistan. Iskander Mirza had lost the support of many of the leading politicians and was alarmed at a plan by Suhrawardy to unite the political leadership of Bengal and Punjab against him. Therefore, he imposed Martial Law and turned to Ayub Khan and the military for help.

Ayub Khan Era 1958-1969

Ayub Khan formed a committee and planned to promote the system in Pakistan. Thus, they implemented a constitution in 1962. The following are the key features:

1. Presidential constitution
2. Less provincial autonomy
3. BD system
4. Unicameral parliament
5. Judiciary – supreme court – high court
6. Sovereignty of ALLAH
7. Islamic laws
8. Country name
9. Relation with Islamic countries
10. Islamic council commission
11. Federal system

Reforms of Ayub Khan

Pakistan in History Developments Era – Ayub Khan seized the presidency from Iskandar Mirza in 1958 and became the second president of Pakistan. However, he made several changes to promote the system in Pakistan to develop the country.

Agricultural Reforms

1. Land limits are 500 and 1000
2. Peasants rights
3. Issuing of bonds of extra land

Pakistan achieved additional growth and development during this period. Therefore, this era was called the Green Revolution.

Economical Reforms

1. Decade of Development
2. Industries

Social Reforms

1. 1961 ordinance
2. Marriage registration
3. 2nd marriage
4. Divorce
5. Arbitration council

1965 Elections of Pakistan in History

On 2 January 1965, an Indirect election was held between Muslim League and Combined Opposition Parties. However, Ayub Khan won the election against Miss Fatima Jinnah.

1965 War Result

The second Indo-Pak war began on 5^th August 1965. It is claimed in the Australian Newspaper that Pakistan got victory in this war against India. Also, they claimed it to be a massive battle of tanks after World War 2. The war led to the exchange of some territories by both sides, which were returned after the Tashkent Declaration on 10 January 1966.

By this act, Foreign Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto resigned and formed his party PPP (Pakistan People’s Party). On March 25, 1969, Ayub Khan’s tenure ended.

Yahya Khan Era 1969-1971

Martial law was in effect from 1969-1971. It was imposed for the second time in Pakistan in history. Yahya Khan was profusely criticized for his inability to run the system. Further, he faced criticism for the secession of Bangladesh. Due to martial law, the 1962 constitution was banned. Therefore, Yahya Khan proposed LFO (Legal Framework Ordinance) to start elections legally.

In 1970, several parties participated in the elections, but two of the most popular were the People’s Party and the  Awami League. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (PPP) won from West Pakistan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman from East Pakistan. However, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman had the following principles:

1. Provincial Autonomy
2. Trade independence/economic
3. Separate foreign reserve A/C (different currency)
4. A separate account for foreign exchange
5. Collection of taxes
6. Separate force/Parliament force

Pakistan in History: 1971 War

The Indian intelligence Raw (Research and Analysis Wing) supported BLA turned into a war between Pakistan and India. Due to this war, East Pakistan seceded from West Pakistan and created the independent state of Bangladesh.

About 93,000 Pakistani civilians and soldiers became prisoners in India. After the war, Yahya Khan handed over the government to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Causes of Fall of East Pakistan/Bangladesh

1. Geographical distance
2. Language issues
3. Democratic rights
4. Indian involvement
5. BLA
6. Economic rights
7. Army operation/operation searchlight (March 26, 1971- May 25, 1971)
8. Lack of administrative authority

PART 2:

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Era 1971-1977

Pakistan in History: It wasn’t easy for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to handle all the mess after the war. He needed to free 93,000 Pakistani prisoners from India. He faced a very critical situation. It was a time when the relations between Pakistan and India were not stable due to the war. Also, Bangladesh was separated. Nevertheless, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s reforms are listed below:

Economical Reforms

1. Subsidy
2. Seeds, fertilizers, tractors to formers
3. Uniformity of scales
4. Loan facility
5. Fee exemption to poor students
6. Pensioner’s death
7. Police employees

Agricultural Reforms (Announced on March 1, 1972)

1. Irrigated land 150/500
2. Arid land 300/1000
3. Peasants rights

Labor Reforms

1. Labor laws
2. Compensation on injury
3. Labor rights
4. Old age pension

Industries Ordinance 1972

1. Nationalization policy
2. Iron and steel industry
3. Heavy engineering, automobile
4. Tractor assembling plants
5. Oil and gas refineries
6. 20 industries
7. Life insurance – state life 19 March 1972
8. Banks – state bank of Pakistan May 19, 1972
9. Educational reforms

Pakistan in History: Simla Agreement

Pakistan and India had an agreement before the release of 93,000 Pakistani imprisoned in India. However, the following agreements are as follows:

Basic Agreements

1. UN charter – Peace
2. Bilateral relations – No third-party involvement
3. Restore each other territory
4. Stay away from each other internal affairs
5. Table talk – No war

Restore Relations

1. Communication
2. Promote travel
3. Trade and economic
4. Social and cultural exchange

Future Relations

1. Forces withdrawal
2. Kashmir LOC

The agreement was signed and implemented within thirty days. Hence, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto released Pakistani 93,000 imprisoned in India.

Constitution of 1973

Pakistan in History continues – The 1956 and 1962 constitutions could not stand. However, this constitution is very long-lasting and is still applied today. Twenty-five committee members announced the 1973 constitution in the presence of the Islamic scholars. Thus, the key features of the constitution are as follows:

1. Parliamentary
2. Bicameral Legislative
3. President and PM (Must be Muslim)
4. Democratic Constitution
5. Written Constitution
6. Federal System
7. State Religion (ISLAM)
8. Country Name (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
9. Islamic Way of Life (To Promote Islam)
10. Islamic Values
11. Council of Islamic Ideology
12. Amendment Process (There have been around 25 edits to date)

Other Important Aspects

1. Balochistan operation – 1973-1977
2. OIC conference 1974 / Lahore summit
3. Atomic bomb / Nuclear weapon program – 1972

1977 Elections

Pakistan in History continues – On March 7, 1977, elections were held between the PNA (Pakistan National Alliance) and the PPP (Pakistan People’s Party). Again, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto got victory. But, the opposition refused to accept the result and started a campaign against Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Also, they criticize him for drinking alcohol and socialism. Thus, the PNA moment began that later ended with martial law imposed by Zia-ul-Haq on 5 July 1977.

General Zia ul Haq Era 1977-1988

General Zia ul Haq became president of Pakistan on 16 September 1978. After a year, he initiated local govt elections in September 1979. Due to martial law, he replaced PCO with the 1973 constitution on 23 March 1981. Later, he was elected as president again on Dec 19, 1984, for the next five years. Then, he decided to end the marshal law after the elections on 30 December 1985. The 8th Amendment was introduced by General Zia-ul-Haq under which the power to replace a government that did not follow the constitution. Later, he died in an unfortunate plane crash on August 17, 1988.

Pakistan in History: Zia ul Haq Islamization

1. Hadood ordinance – 10 Feb 1979
2. Zakat and Usher ordinance – 20 July 1980
3. Zakat Foundation – Feb 1982
4. Federal sharia court (High Court – 3 judges, Supreme Court)
5. Blasphemy act – 298 article – 3 year
6. Pakistan studies and Islamic studies – compulsory
7. Ihtram e Ramzan ordinance – 1981
8. Federal Ombudsman – June 1981
9. Majlis e Shura – December 1981
10. Interest-free banking

Soviet-Afghan War 1979

In December 1979, the Soviets sent its 1 lac troops to Afghanistan. Pakistan had played an essential role in the war since it started. Gradually, all Islamic countries and the US helped Afghanistan. Saudi Arabs sent Mujahideen, the US provided funds, and Pakistan trained them. Hence, Pakistan won the war. The Soviet Union suffered heavy losses of around 50,000 soldiers within ten years. In addition, they damaged the economy and went back. About 3,500,000 Afghan refugees migrated to Pakistan.

Geneva Accord

Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement with the help of the UN (United Nations). In the agreement, Russia said it would withdraw troops by May 15, 1988. Immediately, some differences arose between Zia ul Haq (President) and M. Junejo (PM). Unlike M. Junejo, Zia ul Haq was not interested in returning their troops. Nevertheless, M. Junejo’s tenure ended on 30th May 1988.

Pakistan in History: Muhammad Khan Junejo 31 Dec 1985

1. Promote Islamic Ideology
2. Just economic system – eradicating unemployment
3. Illiteracy – science and technology
4. Corruption and injustice
5. Sovereignty

1st Era of Benazir Bhutto 1988-1990

Pakistan in History continuous – On 19 November 1988, Benazir Bhutto won the elections. Thus, she became the youngest and first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim world. However, Benazir Bhutto encountered several challenges mentioned below:

1. Establishment/Army
2. President
3. Right Wing Parties
4. Relations with MQM
5. Foreign Policy

Achievements

1. SAARC conference – 29-31 December
2. Not attacking nuclear installation
3. Relations with India
4. Relations with Islamic countries
5. Political prisoners – Freedom
6. Trade union
7. Labor union
8. People worker’s program

Controversies

1. MQM
2. Karachi situations
3. Pakka Qila Operation
4. Operation Midnight Jackal – ISI – Vote of no confidence
5. India relations
6. Right Wing
7. President – Ghulam Ishaq Khan

Eventually, President (Ghulam Ishaq Khan) raised several points such as corruption, misuse of power, and democratic norms and used his authority by dismissing the Government of Benazir Bhutto.

1st Era of Nawaz Sharif 1990-1993

Pakistan in History continues – In 1990, Nawaz Sharif became the Prime Minister of Pakistan through elections. Also, he served as a Cheif Minister of Punjab from 1985-1990.

Economic Policies

1. Privatization – 22 Jan 1991
2. Liberalization
3. Infrastructure development
4. Unemployment – Taxi loan scheme
5. Agricultural policy

Other Works

1. Loan scheme – 3 kinds (50k – 150k – 300k)
2. Labor Policy – 1 to 6 allowance
3. NFC (National Finance Commission)
4. IRSA (Indus River System Authority) – 1991
5. Export increased by around 12%
6. Foreign investment
7. Bat ul Mal
8. Sharia bill 1991 – To promote Islamic laws
9. Labor policy grade 1-15
10. Motorway

Drawbacks

1. Relation with the President was not good because of the Eighth Amendment.
2. Corruption
3. Operation blue fox
4. Corporative societies scandal

On April 18, 1993, President deposed Nawaz Sharif’s government. Also, he dissolved the assembly. Then, Nawaz Sharif filed a petition to Supreme Court in which he wrote that the President deposed his government for no reason. The Supreme Court upheld the petition and ordered Nawaz Sharif to remain in his PM post. The situation between the PM, the Army, and the President worsen. Therefore, the Supreme Court decided to terminate the tenure of both the President and the Prime Minister on 18 July 1993. Waseem Sajjad (Chairman Senate) became a President and Moin Qureshi a Prime Minister.

Pakistan in History: 2nd Era of Benazir Bhutto 1993-1996

On October 19, 1994, Benazir Bhutto’s government began. KPK and Balochistan were ruled by PMLN which was later usurped by the People’s Party through a political movement. However, below are the several challenges that the PPP faced:

1. Opposition
2. Economy
3. Establishment

Achievements

1. KPK govt.
2. Balochistan govt.
3. US relations
4. Women rights
5. Improving literacy
6. Healthcare
7. Drugs trafficking
8. Foreign policy
9. Stand on Kashmir issue

Drawbacks

1. New Taxes of 128 b
2. Relations with President were not good
3. Murtaza Bhutto Killing Case
4. Karachi Operation
5. Economy
6. Nepotism
7. Corruption
8. GST – 10 August 1996 – Protest
9. Appointment of Judges

On 5 Nov 1996, President Farooq Leghari dismissed the government of Benazir Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto raised her voice in the Supreme Court to no avail.

2nd Era of Nawaz Sharif 1996-1999

On 17 Feb 1997, Nawaz Sharif’s government began after the victory in the elections. Nawaz Sharif’s government challenges are as follows:

1. Relation with President
2. Economy
3. Judiciary

Achievements

1. Motorway – Completed in 1997
2. Nuclear Explosions
3. 13th amendment (1st April) 58-2/B-
4. 14th amendment (30 June) floor crossing
5. Muhammad Rafiq Tarrer – President

Nuclear Tests

Pakistan in History continues – India conducted a nuclear test while Pakistan tested it on 18 May 1998. Undoubtedly, it was a very big achievement. On Sunday, 21 Feb 1999, the Lahore declaration passed in which nuclear control treaty was signed to deal with worst-case scenarios through communication and table talk.

Draw Backs

1. Sindh Governor Raj – 30 Oct 1998
2. Kalabagh Dam
3. Constitutional Crisis
4. Conflict with President
5. Attack on Supreme Court
6. Relation with Army

Nawaz Sharif replaced Jahangir Karamat (Chief of Army Staff) with General Pervez Musharraf to avoid martial law. However, G. Pervez Musharraf launched the Kargil war from 3rd May 1999 to 26th July 1999. Immediately, Nawaz Sharif ended the war through the Washington Declaration of 1999. So, G. Pervez Musharraf claimed that if Nawaz Sharif did not visit Washington and end the war. We could have won and liberated Kashmir. General Ziauddin was “appointed” army chief by Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif on October 12, 1999. Nawaz Sharif planned to stop General Pervez Musharraf from landing in Pakistan on his visit to Sri Lanka. Surprisingly, Pervez Musharraf knew this long ago and ordered martial law. Thus, Nawaz Sharif was sent to Adiala jail.

General Pervez Musharraf Era 1999-2007

Pakistan in History continues – General Pervez Musharraf took over Pakistan as “Cheif Executive” and became President on 20 June 2001. Like others, G. Pervez Musharraf also faced several challenges mentioned below:

1. Political
2. Constitutional
3. Economic
4. 9/11 – Al-Qaida – Usama Bin Ladan

Achievements and Other Works

1. NRB (National Reconstruction Bureau)
2. Local Bodies – 3 steps – Union council/Tehsil council/District council (Decentralization)
3. Referendum – 30 April 2002
4. FLO – 21 August 2002
5. Industrialization growth increased by 6.8% of GDP
6. Privatization
7. PM Shaukat Aziz Participation
8. NAB (National Accountability Bureau) – 16 Nov 1999
9. Kashmir Policy
10. Agra conference – 14-16 July 2001 (Kashmir Issue)
11. Education reforms – HEC (Higher Education Commission)
12. Women empowerment
13. Enlightenment
14. Nadra

Controversies

1. War and Terror (supported America in 9/11)
2. 2002 Elections (corruption)
3. Lal Masjid Operation
4. PCO
5. Moderate Policy
6. 17th Amendment – 2003 – 58-2/B
7. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto

In Nov 2007, G. Pervez Musharraf’s tenure ended. On February 8, 2008, investigators from Scotland Yard concluded that Benazir Bhutto died after hitting her head as she was tossed by the force of a suicide blast, not from an assassin’s bullet.

Asif Ali Zardari Era 2007-2013

PPP secured the elections held in 2007. So, Asif Ali Zardari became the President of Pakistan. Both PPP and PMLN parties elected Yousaf Raza Gillani as Prime Minister. However, there was a mixed cabinet for one and a half years. Later, Nawaz Sharif left the cabinet.

Achievements

1. Provincial Autonomy
2. 18th Amendment (back to 1973)
3. Water Management to no avail
4. Civil-Military Relations

Crisis

1. Opposition (Especially PMLN)
2. Energy Crisis (Extreme Load Shedding for about 8-10 hours a day)
3. Long March – 2009
4. Restoration of Judiciary
5. Rental Power Plant
6. Corruption

Pakistan in History: 3rd Era of Nawaz Sharif 2013-2018

In the 2013 elections, Nawaz Sharif became the first person to be elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan three times. Three strong parties appeared in elections comprising PMLN, PTI, and PPP.

1. PMLN – Center, and Punjab
2. PTI – KPK
3. PPP – Sindh

Challenges

1. PTI Movement against election rigging
2. Operation Zarb-e-Azab
3. Drone Attacks
4. Economic Condition
5. APS Attack
6. Panama Leaks

Later, the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif’s government for not getting satisfactory answers about his properties and elected Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the Prime Minister for only one year till the next elections.

Imran Khan Era 2018-2022

Pakistan in History continues – After 22 years of struggle, in May 2018, Imran Khan (PTI Chairman) won the elections and got his seat to rule KPK, Center, and Punjab. However, the following are the main aspects mentioned below:

Challenges

1. Opposition
2. PDM
3. Corona (Covid-19)
4. Economy
5. No Confidence Motion
6. Cipher (An American Conspiracy)
7. Threats
8. Constitutional Crisis

Achievements and Works

1. Success in elections on a large scale
2. IMF Program
3. 12 b Trees (Admired by the world)
4. Fight against Covid-19 (Smart Lockdown)
5. Health Card
6. Ahsaas Program
7. Live Call inquiries
8. Loan Scheme
9. FATF
10. Kartarpur Corridor
11. Economy Increased
12. Industrialization
13. Thousands of poor Pakistanis locked up in prisons abroad were brought back to Pakistan

On 10 April 2022, the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan passed with 174 votes, a majority in the National Assembly, which resulted in Imran Khan losing the confidence of the house and ceasing to hold the office of prime minister.

Shahbaz Sharif Era 2022 to Onward

On 10 April 2022, Shahbaz Sharif was nominated as a candidate for Prime Minister by opposition parties following a vote of no confidence in incumbent Prime Minister Imran Khan after the 2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis. However, he was elected Prime Minister on 11 April 2022.

Challenges

1. Opposition (PTI)
2. Constitutional Crisis
3. Economy
4. Elections
5. Inflation

Recently Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Mohammad Mazari declared Hamza Shehbaz as the Chief Minister of Punjab in violation of the constitution. After the decision, Imran Khan (PTI Chairman) challenged the case in the Supreme Court by submitting the petition. Finally, the Supreme Court invalidated the deputy ruling, dismissed Hamza Shehbaz, and appointed Chaudhry Parvez Elahi as the Chief Minister of Punjab.

For more information, please visit Timeline of Pakistani history (1947–present)