The Problem of Institutionalization of Political Power in Pakistan: An Appraisal of the Zia Period (1977-1988)

Abstract

Since its establishment in 1947, Pakistan has repeatedly been on starting point or even somewhat beyond the starting point, because of the malfunctioning or non-existence of the state institutions; on such occasions, instead of correcting or rectifying the malfunctioning, the basic infrastructure was altogether demolished while the institutions were abolished thus placing the country on a restart from zero point. Perhaps the Zero point in Islamabad indicates the psychological dimensions of the establishment that they place the country repeatedly at Zero point to start another exercise of trial and error. The military rule by General Ziaul Haq (1977-1988) provides an interesting insight of the above notion since the start of authoritative rather autocratic Islamization during the said regime turned the country back into late 1940s when the proposed Islamization under the Objectives Resolution of 1949 was criticized by the non-Muslim and neutral foreign observers alike. The instant study aims to evaluate whether the state institutions were empowered or strengthened by the Zia regime. It will also evaluate how General Zia’s arbitrary use of power affected the performance of government functionaries and public departments.

Failure of Federalism in Pakistan, Lessons for the Future, an International Perspective

“…Pakistan was moving well on the democratic path but some despotic policies of Z.A.Bhutto created the political unrest in the state. General Zia ul Haq found the opportunity and promulgated Martial Law in the state and captured federalism once again under the cruel jaws of dictator ship (Shafique, 2020).…”