The Damage Inflicted on Pakistan by General Zia-ul-Haq

byShah Writes -
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A Critical Research Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the multifaceted harms that Pakistan endured under the military rule of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988). While some supporters highlight short-term stability or alliances with global powers, scholarly research and historical records reveal serious and lasting damage to Pakistan’s democratic institutions, social fabric, civil liberties, judicial independence, societal pluralism, and internal security. The analysis draws on multiple academic studies and credible journalistic accounts to provide an objective yet clear account of Zia’s negative legacy.

1. Introduction

General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq seized power in Pakistan in July 1977 through a military coup against the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This marked the beginning of eleven years of martial law that fundamentally transformed Pakistan’s political and social structure. Although his regime ended with his death in a plane crash in 1988, the consequences of his policies continue to shape the country. (Wikipedia)

2. Erosion of Democratic Institutions

2.1 Martial Law and Constitutional Manipulation

One of the most profound damages was the systematic weakening of Pakistan’s democratic framework. Zia centralized power in the executive and military, sidelining elected representatives and suppressing political dissent. He introduced changes to the constitution—most notably the Eighth Amendment, which gave the president the unchecked authority to dissolve parliament and dismiss governments at will. This weakened parliamentary sovereignty and laid the groundwork for repeated political instability in later decades. (Herald)

2.2 Suppression of Political Participation

Political parties were banned, student unions were dissolved, and public gatherings were heavily restricted, which drastically reduced civic engagement and political awareness among the youth. This created a political culture where authoritarian control was normalized for years after his departure. (Herald)

3. Judicial and Media Repression

3.1 Judicial Subjugation

Zia’s regime undermined the judiciary’s independence by pressuring judges, instituting loyalty oaths, and controlling legal outcomes to favor the regime. The result was a judiciary that was politicized rather than impartial, setting a precedent for future interference in legal institutions. (The News International)

3.2 Censorship and Media Control

Press freedom suffered severe setbacks through censorship, shutdowns of critical newspapers, and suppression of dissenting voices. Journalists were often coerced through intimidation, arrests, or financial manipulation to avoid criticism of the regime. These controls stunted the development of a robust, independent media in Pakistan. (The News International)

4. Islamization and Sectarian Schism

4.1 Institutionalized Religion in Governance

Zia pursued a program of Islamization that placed religious doctrine at the core of state policy. Laws such as the Hudood Ordinances and the establishment of parallel religious courts shifted legal authority away from secular institutions and empowered clerical interpretations that often conflicted with human rights norms. (ia802808.us.archive.org)

4.2 Rise in Sectarian Violence

The use of religious identity for political ends exacerbated sectarian tensions, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities. Research shows that Zia’s policies favored certain religious groups, lending institutional legitimacy and resources to religious schools (madrasas) that promoted militant ideologies. This contributed to prolonged sectarian violence that persists in various forms today. (qjssh.com.pk)

5. Civil Liberties and Human Rights Violations

Under Zia, public punishment, torture, and enforced disappearances became tools of state control. Thousands of political opponents, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens were arrested, intimidated, tortured, or killed for opposing the regime. Notorious detention centers became symbols of fear. (Herald)

5.1 Gender and Legal Injustice

The Hudood laws, intended to align criminal justice with conservative religious interpretations, often produced grievous outcomes, especially for women. Cases emerged where victims of abuse were wrongfully accused of criminal offenses due to burdensome evidentiary requirements. These legal frameworks contributed to systemic gender injustice that resonated for decades. (The Friday Times)

6. Socio-Cultural Repression

Zia’s regime imposed strict moral codes on public life, including dress codes for women, censorship of cultural expression, and restrictions on arts and entertainment. Cinemas were heavily taxed and their numbers diminished, while the music and film industries declined sharply. Intellectual and artistic life was pushed into the margins, limiting cultural diversity and freedom of expression. The Friday Times

7. Security Policy and Regional Extremism

7.1 Afghan War and Weapon Proliferation

By aligning with the United States and supporting the Afghan resistance during the Soviet invasion, Zia opened Pakistan to massive inflows of weapons and militant networks. While this strategy served geopolitical objectives, it created an enduring culture of armed militancy and facilitated the spread of extremist ideologies within Pakistan’s borders. (Herald)

7.2 Refugees and Social Strain

The influx of millions of Afghan refugees brought profound demographic changes and economic stress. These communities were often marginalized, and arms and drug smuggling became intertwined with local economies, contributing to long-lasting internal security challenges. (Herald)

8. Long-Term Institutional Decay

Scholarly analysis shows that Zia’s policies left Pakistan with weakened institutions. The civil services lost cohesion, political parties struggled to regain legitimacy, and electoral politics were overshadowed by the influence of religion and the military. Efforts to restore democratic norms have been hindered by structural imbalances introduced during his rule. (Journal of Political Stability Archive)

9. Conclusion

General Zia-ul-Haq’s eleven-year rule inflicted deep and multiple layers of damage on Pakistan. Beyond the immediate repression, his legacy includes weakened democratic institutions, legal and judicial distortions, social and cultural repression, entrenched sectarianism, and heightened internal insecurity. These effects did not end with his death; they persisted into the 21st century and continue to shape Pakistan’s political landscape. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking to address the enduring challenges facing the nation

References

(Listed as cited within the article)

 

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