The Military and Democracy in Pakistan

The Military and Democracy in Pakistan

The history of Pakistan is replete with the glimpses that democratic and military forces have
been pitched against each other from the very day when Pakistan made its marvelous existence
on the map of the world when in power, Military regimes have not worked to establish
effective conditions for the return to civilian rule or to develop the institutions but they focused
on their powerful activities for their benefits. They derailed the democratic governments just
to enjoy their sources powers esteem and status some radical groups of politicians supported
a lot the Military regimes in flourishing and establishing because of their views and perceptions
against democracy (Cheema , 2004). There was political turbulence which caused the collapse
of democratic government in early 12 years, seven Prime Ministers had been either changed or
were forced to resign.

Historical Overview

At the time of being into existence of Pakistan adopted the Government of India act, 1935 to
meet the requirement of an independent state in 1947. It provided for a parliamentary system
of Government, although the Governor General employed special power and the federal
Government exercised some overriding power over provinces.

Pakistan faced many serious administrative problems caused by the partition process. There
included the division of civil and Military assets of the British Indian Government between
India and Pakistan including the first war on Kashmir 1947-48 .Pakistan had to set up a federal
Government in Karachi.

With the matter of bad luck Mohammad Ali Jinnah the father of the nation left his people in
September 1948 thirteen month after establishment of Pakistan while initial administrative
and political problems. The post Jinnah political leaders had regional stature and did not have
nationwide .This made it difficult for the political parties to pursue a wider approach towards
the problems of the early years. By the time the constitution was introduced ( March 23, 1956)
a strong tradition of violation of parliamentary norms was established.

The administrative problems and the inability of the political leaders enabled the Governor
General to mass power. Governor Generals Ghulam Muhammad (1951-55) and with the
Military and civil-bureaucratic background of Governor General, President Iskandar Mirza (155-
158) could depend on top bureaucracy and Military for support.

By (1954-55) the top of Military made major policies like foreign, security and domestic affairs.
By October 1958 Ayub Khan, the Army chief overthrew the civilian Government with the
support of President Iskandar Mirza.