General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq came to power on 5th of March 1977 after overthrowing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. As soon as General Zia came to power he imposed Martial Law in Pakistan promising to hold elections after ninety days. General Zia's regime had several drawbacks. Even though, it was during General Zia's regime that Pakistan got a great amount of foreign aid to make arrangements for the infidel Russians at the Afghan border, Pakistan's GDP rose considerably, Pakistan's foreign policy was fruitful and there was an environment of general goodwill on behalf of Pakistan, the industrial productivity rose and the consumer goods market grew significantly, there were several problems faced by the general public during General Zia's regime.
Firstly, General Zia's promise of holding elections within ninety days was fulfilled only after 1985. It was a parliamentary system in its most distorted form with General Zia having most of the power.
Secondly, the women and the minorities suffered greatly under General Zia due to his policy of Islamisation and his ordinances. All the developments made in the past few decades with regard to women and their rights were left behind and in front stood General Zia's patriarchal society.
Not only this but in order to establish his rule and control firmly, General Zia ordered a widespread oppression and killing of not only his opponents but also those he suspected could harm him in the future. These included certain politicians as well as some political parties.
The developments made under General Zia's military regime can in no way overshadow the great unrest and turmoil that dominated his era.
4 comments:
I agree with your view because although many people argue that the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq was extremely successful, they fail to look at the various problems that arose during his regime. I believe that the policy of Islamization that Zia-ul-Haq promoted so vigorously is one of the main reasons for the growing religious intolerance that prevails in Pakistan today. Thus, although the economic situation improved during his regime, Zia-ul-Haq's policies were extremely controversial and women in Pakistan still suffer due to the Hudood Ordinance.
The achievements of the military regime of Zia-ul - Haq are greatly highlighted by most of the people. It might be the most economic successful year for Pakistan but it did have some drawbacks which are largely ignored by the public. The laws that were made by Zia-ul-Haq are still implemented in the country which might be the reasons of many of the problems that exist today in Pakistan.
As you have very precisely put that Zia's regime promoted the laws that was considered as a hurdle in achieving the gender equality .But what intrigues me though that when he promoted these laws they were supported by certain political groups of the country .I mean he did face a public backlash but i guess not enough which would have make him redo or review these laws.I believe public power can cause a lot of pressure on the rulers.So this question lingers in my mind was there really an opposition of these laws on mass level or was it something that reflected the choices or preferences of our patriarchal society? This also tells us about where we stood and how we far we have come as a nation regarding the gender equity,
As you have very precisely put that Zia's regime promoted the laws that was considered as a hurdle in achieving the gender equality .But what intrigues me though that when he promoted these laws they were supported by certain political groups of the country .I mean he did face a public backlash but i guess not enough which would have make him redo or review these laws.I believe public power can cause a lot of pressure on the rulers.So this question lingers in my mind was there really an opposition of these laws on mass level or was it something that reflected the choices or preferences of our patriarchal society? This also tells us about where we stood and how we far we have come as a nation regarding the gender equity,
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