TLDR;
This lecture provides a detailed overview of Pervez Musharraf's rule in Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, covering the circumstances of his rise to power, his key policies, and the major events that occurred during his tenure. It also includes a critical appraisal of his rule, examining both its positive and negative aspects.
- Musharraf's rise to power and initial agenda.
- Political history during Musharraf's era.
- Key events and crises during his rule.
- Economic policies and their impact.
Introduction [0:01]
The lecture will discuss Musharraf's dictatorship rule from 1999 to 2008, including the persecution of political leaders, the devolution of power to the district level, the 17th Constitutional Amendment, the US War on Terror, crackdowns against religious outfits and the judiciary, light moderation, and Musharraf's foreign and economic policies.
Musharraf's Military Takeover [1:13]
On October 12, 1999, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attempted to remove Musharraf and replace him with General Ziauddin Bhatt. The army took over the country, arrested Nawaz Sharif in a plane hijacking case, and sent him to exile. Musharraf imposed martial law and became the Chief Executive of the country. On October 14, he suspended the Constitution of Pakistan but allowed President Rafiq Tar to continue his term.
Musharraf's Seven-Point Agenda [3:17]
After taking over as President, Musharraf announced a seven-point agenda focused on rebuilding national confidence, reviving the economy, ensuring law and order, de-politicizing state institutions, developing power at the grass root level, and ensuring accountability. He introduced a new local government system and created the Accountability Bureau to hold politicians accountable.
Political History During Musharraf's Era [4:39]
The Supreme Court validated Musharraf's martial law on May 12, 2000, granting him executive and legislative authority for three years. In 2000, Musharraf introduced the Local Government Ordinance, leading to elections in 2001 and the establishment of a new local government system. This system devolved power to the districts, with District Nazims appointed as heads of the districts.
Formation of Political Alliances [6:50]
During Musharraf's era, two mainstream political parties, the People's Party and the Muslim League, formed the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) on December 3, 2000, to struggle against martial law. However, their efforts did not yield significant results due to the exile of the party leaders.
Musharraf as President and the War on Terror [8:27]
In 2001, after Rafiq Tar's tenure ended, Musharraf assumed the office of the President, concentrating all powers in one head. After 9/11, Musharraf agreed to support the US anti-terrorist campaign under pressure from US Secretary of State Colin Powell, reversing Pakistan's previous policy of supporting the Taliban. This decision led to increased terrorism in Pakistan.
Referendum and Legal Framework Order [10:15]
In 2002, Musharraf held a referendum to legitimize his rule and became the President of Pakistan. He issued the Legal Framework Order on August 24, 2002, and conducted elections on October 10, 2002. As a result, PML-Q, the ruling party formed by Musharraf, won most of the seats, and Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali became the Prime Minister.
Political Developments and Charter of Democracy [11:54]
Zafarullah Jamali resigned in June 2004 due to differences with Musharraf, and Shaukat Aziz became the Prime Minister. In 2006, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto signed the Charter of Democracy in London, pledging to restore complete democracy in Pakistan. In the same year, Akbar Bhutto was killed in Balochistan, leading to a deterioration of law and order.
Judicial Crisis and Assassination of Benazir Bhutto [15:27]
In March 2007, President Musharraf dismissed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry, leading to a judicial crisis. Although Chaudhry was reinstated in July 2007 due to public pressure, the crisis continued. In December 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi, a tragic event that further destabilized the country.
Imposition of Emergency and Elections of 2008 [18:01]
Musharraf imposed emergency in November 2007. After the National Assembly was dissolved, Mian Mohammad Sumro was appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister. Nawaz Sharif also returned to Pakistan in November 2007. Elections were held in February 2008, with the Pakistan People's Party winning the most seats. Yousuf Raza Gilani became the Prime Minister.
Musharraf's Resignation and End of Dictatorship [20:31]
Facing pressure to step down, Pervez Musharraf resigned from the presidency, and Mian Mohammad Somar became the acting president. Asaf Zardari was elected as the President of Pakistan in September 2008, marking the end of Musharraf's dictatorship, which had been established in 1999.
Critical Appraisal of Musharraf's Tenure [22:47]
Musharraf's dictatorship was characterized by a referendum to gain legitimacy, the creation of a local government system, undermining the judiciary, prosecuting politicians, and forming his own Kings Party. He also adopted policies similar to those of previous dictators, such as Zia-ul-Haq.
US War on Terror and its Impact on Pakistan [25:05]
Like previous dictators, Musharraf protected US interests during the War on Terror by siding with the US and NATO forces, which brought a new wave of terror to Pakistan. The country suffered significant economic, human, and infrastructural losses, as well as gross violations of human rights.
Lal Masjid Tragedy and Karachi Killings [27:38]
The Lal Masjid tragedy in July 2007 and the Karachi killings in May 2007 were significant events that contributed to the deterioration of law and order in Pakistan. These incidents were seen as major reasons for Musharraf's demise.
Constitutional Amendments and Separation of Judiciary from Executive [29:58]
Musharraf made the 17th constitutional amendment, taking powers to himself, similar to Zia-ul-Haq's actions. However, one of his positive contributions was the separation of the judiciary from the executive, a move that aligned with the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.
Local Government System and Police Reforms [32:24]
Musharraf introduced a new local government system with elected District Nazims responsible for law and order and development. He also implemented police reforms, modifying the old Police Act of 18601 and introducing new structures such as Police Complaint Authorities and Public Safety Commissions.
Enlightened Moderation [34:57]
Musharraf promoted enlightenment moderation to liberalize Pakistan's media and culture. He issued television licenses to the private sector and tried to counter extremism. However, this policy faced strong opposition from ultra-conservative religious alliances like the MMA.
Foreign Policy [38:41]
Musharraf faced tough choices in foreign policy, especially after the US call to support the War on Terror. He maintained an alliance with the US while also trying to maintain good relations with China and manage the Kashmir issue.
Economic Policies and Performance [41:10]
Musharraf's government faced economic challenges such as heavy debts, a high fiscal deficit, and low revenue generation. However, Pakistan's economic performance improved during his tenure, with a GDP growth rate of 6.3% per annum, a decrease in poverty and unemployment rates, and the creation of new jobs. This was supported by massive capital flows from the US and multilateral sources, as well as the rescheduling of loans.