THE REIGN OF GENERAL ZIA UL HAQ AS CHIEF MARTIAL LAW ADMINISTRATOR OF PAKISTAN
“The measure of a person’s greatness lies less in how high they climb and more in how many they uplift along the way.”
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s era remains one of the most influential and controversial periods in Pakistan’s political evolution. Although he never became Prime Minister, he governed the country with near-absolute authority for over eleven years—first as Chief Martial Law Administrator and later as President. His rule began on 5 July 1977 when he removed Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in a bloodless coup, claiming that the turmoil following the disputed 1977 elections had pushed the state toward chaos. While Zia initially promised to hold elections within ninety days, he instead suspended the Constitution, dismissed the assemblies, dissolved the cabinet, and placed the entire administrative structure under military control. Over time, he repeatedly postponed elections, arguing that political conditions were unsuitable for democracy, and gradually consolidated a system in which he and the military remained dominant. His long tenure significantly altered Pakistan’s political landscape, legal structures, society, foreign relations, and the role of religion in the state. A hallmark of Zia’s rule was his far-reaching Islamization agenda. He positioned himself as a promoter of Islamic revival and used religion both as a moral framework and as a means to legitimize a government that lacked electoral support. In 1979, he introduced the Hudood Ordinances, redefining criminal offenses—including theft, adultery, and alcohol consumption—based on strict interpretations of Islamic law. Although harsh punishments were rarely implemented, the legal standards, especially concerning sexual crimes, were widely criticized for disadvantaging women and marginalized groups. Similarly, the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance mandated religious taxation, sparking strong opposition from Shia communities who viewed such contributions as a matter for their own religious authorities rather than the state. Islamization extended into education and media: school curricula adopted stronger religious themes, state broadcasting became increasingly conservative, cultural content was censored, and social norms grew more restrictive. These measures reshaped Pakistani society, intensifying religious conservatism and contributing to sectarian tensions. He was a true believer in Islam and a great lover of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.W). His reign is also remembered for the implementation of the Islamic rules. General Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization drive reshaped Pakistan’s legal, social, and political structures. Soon after taking power, he launched a comprehensive program to align the state with his interpretation of Islamic principles, establishing the Federal Shariat Court, implementing Hudood Ordinances, and enforcing compulsory zakat and ushr. While his supporters viewed these reforms as a revival of Islamic values, critics argued they strengthened authoritarian control, limited personal freedoms, and created long-term sectarian tensions. Zia’s Islamization became a lasting and controversial chapter in Pakistan’s history.
Politically, Zia’s government relied on suppressing dissent and controlling information. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), still associated with Bhutto, became the primary target. Bhutto was arrested multiple times and eventually tried and executed in a process widely regarded as influenced by political pressure. Political activism was tightly restricted; public gatherings were banned, and martial law courts issued quick and often severe punishments. The press faced heavy censorship—newspapers frequently published blank spaces where articles had been removed, and journalists risked imprisonment, lashes, or harassment for criticizing the regime. These tactics ensured a tightly controlled political environment. Despite this repression, Zia sought ways to legitimize his authority. In 1984, he held a national referendum linking public support for Islamization with an extension of his presidency. The referendum was criticized for its wording and low turnout, yet it enabled Zia to continue in office. The following year, he conducted non-party general elections, appointing Muhammad Khan Junejo as Prime Minister. Although Junejo attempted to assert independence, Zia retained authority over major policy areas, particularly defense and foreign affairs. Their relationship deteriorated after the Ojhri Camp explosion, and when Junejo pursued an inquiry, Zia dissolved Parliament and dismissed his government, restoring undisputed military control. On the international front, the defining moment of Zia’s era was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Pakistan became a central player in the Cold War, with the United States and Saudi Arabia providing massive financial and military assistance to support the Afghan Mujahideen. Pakistan hosted training camps, facilitated weapons supplies, and gained considerable geopolitical importance. This external backing further strengthened Zia’s position and reduced pressure on him to restore democracy. However, the Afghan conflict brought lasting challenges: millions of refugees entered Pakistan, and the influx of weapons and drugs contributed to rising militancy, smuggling, and criminal activity—issues that continue to affect Pakistan today. Economically, Zia’s rule produced mixed results. While the country benefited from remittances, foreign aid, and agricultural improvements, the growth lacked sustainability. Much of the economic boost came from external sources rather than structural reforms. Meanwhile, the informal economy expanded, driven by smuggling, the drug trade, and the unchecked flow of arms resulting from the Afghan war. Although some remember the period as one of relative economic stability, its long-term consequences—such as rising inequality and the spread of criminal networks—overshadow these gains. One of Zia’s most enduring constitutional legacies was the Eighth Amendment in 1985. This amendment validated all actions taken under Martial Law and greatly enhanced presidential powers, most notably through Article 58(2)(b), which allowed the President to dismiss elected governments and dissolve the National Assembly. This provision weakened parliamentary democracy and fueled recurring political instability during the 1990s, as several governments were removed prematurely. Although his death opened the door for a return to civilian rule, the effects of his policies persisted. The cause remains disputed, prompting numerous conspiracy theories. His Islamization reforms influenced legislation and social attitudes; Pakistan’s involvement in the Afghan war fostered militancy and long-term security challenges; and his constitutional changes reshaped the balance between civilian and non-civilian institutions.
Zia-ul-Haq’s rule ended abruptly on 17 August 1988 when the military aircraft carrying him crashed near Bahawalpur, killing him, several senior military officers, and the U.S. ambassador. Consequently, Zia’s eleven-year rule is widely regarded as a pivotal period that profoundly altered Pakistan’s political trajectory and continues to shape the country’s social and institutional landscape.
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