On July 5, 1977, Pakistan experienced a dramatic and pivotal event in its political and constitutional history. General Zia-ul-Haq, then Chief of Army Staff (COAS), imposed martial law across the nation, dissolving both national and provincial assemblies. This drastic move followed the controversial March 1977 parliamentary elections and was justified by Zia as a necessary action to save the country from chaos and collapse.
The Coup and Its Immediate Aftermath
In his first speech following the coup, General Zia asserted that martial law was a last resort, aimed at stabilizing the nation. He emphasized his commitment to democracy, promising free and fair elections within 90 days and the transfer of power to elected representatives. However, these promises would soon be broken, leading to a prolonged period of military rule.
The Pre-Coup Context
Leading up to the coup, Pakistan was mired in political unrest. The March 1977 elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging, had led to widespread protests by the opposition Pakistan National Alliance (PNA). Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government faced increasing pressure, and negotiations between the government and the PNA were proving ineffective.
The Role of the Military and Intelligence
There is significant debate about whether General Zia’s coup was premeditated. Some evidence suggests that the military were setting the stage for a takeover. Bhutto had previously thwarted two coup attempts, and his actions, including the establishment of new security agencies like the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Federal Security Force (FSF), had further antagonized the military.
According to Husain Haqqani, the military sought to delegitimize Bhutto through engineered political disorder. The ISI’s recommendation for early elections, which Bhutto accepted, may have been part of a broader strategy to trap him. Despite economic improvements and his popularity, Bhutto’s position was increasingly precarious.
The March 1977 Elections
The elections on March 7, 1977, were expected to solidify Bhutto’s power, but instead, they led to accusations of rigging and violent protests. Bhutto’s government responded with force, leading to hundreds of deaths and injuries. Amid this turmoil, Saudi-brokered negotiations offered a glimmer of hope. By mid-June, a tentative agreement was reached for fresh elections in October. However, Bhutto’s subsequent tour of Middle Eastern countries left the situation unresolved.
The Imposition of Martial Law
On July 5, just as a final agreement between the government and the PNA was about to be signed, General Zia imposed martial law. He justified this by claiming the country was on the brink of collapse, although evidence suggests the crisis was subsiding. The coup, named “Operation Fairplay,” marked the beginning of the longest and most brutal period of military rule in Pakistan.
The Aftermath
Under martial law, senior PPP and PNA leaders were initially detained but later released. Bhutto, however, was re-arrested, tried in a controversial case, and executed. General Zia did not hold elections until 1985, far exceeding his original 90-day promise. When elections were eventually held, they were on a non-party basis, and Zia retained significant power, including the authority to dismiss the government under Article 58(2)b.
Legacy of the Coup
The coup of July 5, 1977, and the subsequent military rule had lasting impacts on Pakistan’s political and constitutional framework. General Zia’s regime altered the trajectory of the country’s democracy, leading to a prolonged period of autocratic rule and significant political repression. The events of that day are remembered as a black mark in Pakistan’s history, highlighting the fragile nature of its democratic institutions and the enduring influence of the military in its politics.
Pakistan has paid a huge price for toppling the elected government of the visionary leader Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “This dark day in Pakistan’s history set our nation on a path marred by extremism, terrorism, and the scourge of Kalashnikov and drug culture—challenges we continue to grapple with today.” He emphasized that despite the immense suffering endured, there are still a few who are always ready to harm democracy.
Oppressive regime of General Ziaul Haq unleashed an era of unparalleled brutality against democrats, liberals, and true patriots of Pakistan. pro-democracy Pakistanis were subjected to imprisonment, flogging, exile, and even execution. the youth of today cannot even imagine the difficult situations faced by the Jiyalas during that period. “Despite these heinous reprisals and the terror inflicted by an authoritarian regime, the resilient spirit of the Pakistani people, especially the Jiyalas (PPP’s unwavering activists), remained unbroken. They stood firm, fighting for the restoration of democracy with unyielding determination and courage,” if there is democracy in the country today, it is because of the sacrifices of PPP leaders and workers.
As the nation remembers the sacrifices of those who endured immense suffering for the cause of democracy, we renew our commitment to upholding the values for which Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and countless others fought so valiantly. “Let us honor their legacy by continuing the struggle for a democratic, progressive, and just Pakistan.”
