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Militarisation and Democracy in Pakistan

This article explores the impact of militarisation on democracy in Pakistan, tracing its origins from the creation of Pakistan in 1947 to the present day. It examines the role of military alliances, the imposition of martial law, and the influence of the military on politics, constitution, and society. It also highlights the consequences of militarisation on the judiciary, rule of law, education, secularism, budget allocations, and peace in the country.

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Militarisation and Democracy in Pakistan

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  1. Militarisation and democracy in Pakistan Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947 East Pakistan and West Pakistan

  2. The Truman Doctrine • The Truman Doctrine is a set of principles of U.S. inland policy created on March 12, 1947. • PresidentHarry S Truman declared that the United States, as leader of the "free world," must support capitalism worldwide and fight against communism and make military alliances of free world.

  3. CENTOThe Central Treaty Organization 0riginal name was Middle East Treaty Organization or METO, also known as the Baghdad Pact It was adopted in 1955 by Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Its goal was to contain the Soviet Union by having a line of strong states along the USSR's southwestern frontier

  4. SEATOSoutheast Asia Treaty Organization • The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), was an international organization for collective defense created by the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty or the Manila Pact. The SEATO was established at a meeting of treaty partners in Bangkok in February 1955. • It was primarily created to block further communist gains in Southeast Asia. Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, and New Zealand represented Europeanized or pro-Western nations in the Southeast Asian area.

  5. Pakistan-member of both treaties • Pakistan was included because East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was geographically close to Southeast Asia, and also because Pakistan was a member of the pro-Western (CENTO) alliance. • Thus the pro-Western, anti-communist military alliances of the Mid-east and Southeast Asia were linked by the membership of Pakistan in both.

  6. Start of the Militarisation • Objective resolution • Military offensive in India through Kashmir • Suppression of Bengali Language • Dissolution of the Assembly • Judiciary’s tilt towards undemocratic steps • Abrogation of the Constitution • Martial law • Wars with India • Ideological state • Denying the rights of the majority province (Bengali population)

  7. Four times Martial Laws • On October 27, 1958, General Ayube Khan, the then chief of army staff took over the martial law government. • The second instance was when General Yahya Khan declared martial law in March, 1969. • After secession of East Pakistan (Bangla Desh), politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took over in 1971 as the first civilian martial law administrator. • General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law on July 5, 1977 • On October 12, 1999, the Army took control once more. GeneralPervez Musharraf took the title of Chief Executive. On two different occassions he declared state of emergency. On November 3, 2007, he imposed state of emergency

  8. Analysis of the social structure • Feudal and tribal • Bureaucracy trained by the colonial masters • Punjab and the military • A powerful commercial entrepreneurs developed during the sanctions by US. • Religious parties Politicians

  9. Constitution and military • After nine years of efforts, Pakistan was successful in framing a constitution in 1956.. • The principle of parity. • The Centre got powers to take unilateral action in emergency and it could influence the provincial autonomy. • But military was not happy as it did not find any role in the constitution. So it has imposed martial law.

  10. Military’s own constitutions • General Ayube Khan made constitution in 1962 with powers to usurpers and declared himself Field Martial • General Yahya Khan promulgated a Legal Framework Order • General Zia ul Haq made PCO • General Musharraf made PCO. Restore constitution of 1973 partially with the 17th amendment, through which he became civilian president in military uniform.

  11. Democratic process faces hindrances from military • 1973 constitution made by all political parties • Declaring over throw of government and abrogation of the constitution as high treason • But again martial in 1977 and General ruled for 11 years. • Prime minister Bhutto was hanged to death • Civilian set ups from 1989 to 1999, then again martial law. • On November 03, 2007, President General Pervez Musharraf declared the state of emergency in the country, the constitution of Pakistan of 1973, was suspended, and the Chief Justices of the higher Courts were fired.

  12. Lawyer’s movement • Lawyers movement • Elections of 2008 • General Musharaff’s exit • President Zardari keeps many powers of General Musharaff. • Restoration of the Chief Justice. • Military’s intervention and issuace of ordinances.

  13. The main affectees of the Militarisation • Judiciary • Constitution-rule of law • Educational system, Curriculum, fighters become heroes • Democratic and political process • Secularism • Budget allocations • Peace and tranquility of the society (violence, militant groups, terrorism)

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