PAKISTAN: EXTENSIVE HISTORICAL & POLITICAL OVERVIEW

1. Deep History Before Pakistan

Ancient & Medieval Roots:

• Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE): One of the world’s oldest urban civilizations, centered in modern-day Pakistan (e.g., Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa).

• Followed by Aryans, Persians, Greeks (under Alexander), Mauryans, Kushan, Gupta, and finally Islamic Empires.

• From 712 CE: Arrival of Islam through Muhammad Bin Qasim.

• Later ruled by Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire (1526–1857).

British Rule (1858–1947):

• British took full control after the 1857 War of Independence, dissolving the Mughal Empire.

• Muslims became politically marginalized.

• Rise of political parties: Indian National Congress (1885) and All-India Muslim League (1906).

2. Pakistan Movement and Creation

• Led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and thinkers like Allama Iqbal.

• Two-Nation Theory: Hindus and Muslims are distinct nations, deserving separate states.

• Key events:

  • 1930: Allama Iqbal proposes a Muslim homeland.

  • 1940: Lahore Resolution formally demands independent Muslim states.

  • 1947: British partition India, creating Pakistan and India.

Initial Structure:

• Pakistan had two parts: West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), separated by 1,600 km of Indian territory.

• Capital: Initially Karachi, later moved to Islamabad (1967).

3. Major Historical Events After Independence

Key Events:

• 1948: Death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

• 1956: First Constitution—Pakistan becomes Islamic Republic.

• 1958: First military coup by General Ayub Khan.

• 1971: East Pakistan becomes Bangladesh after civil war and Indian intervention.

• 1973: New Constitution adopted under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

• 1977–1988: Military rule under General Zia-ul-Haq; strict Islamization.

• 1999: General Pervez Musharraf stages military coup.

• 2007: Benazir Bhutto assassinated.

• 2008 onward: Return to civilian rule, but ongoing instability.

4. Constitution and Governance System

Constitution of 1973 (Still in force, with amendments):

• Establishes Islamic, federal, parliamentary democracy.

• Divides powers between federal government and provinces.

• Islam as state religion, with protections for minorities.

• Provides:

  • Fundamental Rights (Articles 8–28).

  • Judicial review powers.

  • Shariat Court to examine Islamic compliance of laws.

Government Structure:

1. Executive:

   • President (ceremonial)

   • Prime Minister (real power)

   • Cabinet

2. Legislature:

   • Bicameral Parliament:

     • National Assembly (lower house)

     • Senate (upper house)

3. Judiciary:

   • Supreme Court of Pakistan

   • High Courts (one in each province)

   • Federal Shariat Court

   • Military Courts (for terror cases)

5. Legal and Judicial System

Major Codes and Laws:

• Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860 – criminal law.

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898

• Civil Procedure Code, 1908

• Hudood Ordinances (1979) – Islamic laws for theft, adultery, alcohol, etc.

• Blasphemy Laws (Section 295–298 of PPC) – controversial and globally debated.

Types of Courts:

• Civil and criminal courts at district and provincial level.

• Special courts for accountability, terrorism, anti-narcotics, etc.

• Military courts for national security-related offenses.

6. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Constitutionally Guaranteed Rights:

• Right to life & liberty (Art. 9)

• Freedom of religion (Art. 20)

• Freedom of speech, press, and assembly (Arts. 19, 16, 17)

• Right to education (Art. 25A)

• Rights of minorities, women, and children.

Challenges:

• Censorship of media and internet.

• Religious extremism.

• Gender inequality.

• Enforced disappearances in some areas.

• Military dominance over civil institutions.

7. Key Regulatory and State Institutions

Oversight & Regulation:

• NAB – accountability and anti-corruption.

• FIA – federal crimes, immigration, cybercrime.

• PEMRA – regulates electronic media content.

• SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) – monetary policy, banking.

• SECP – corporate and financial regulations.

• ECP (Election Commission) – supervises elections.

Role of the Military:

• Pakistan’s military has ruled directly for almost half of its history.

• Significant influence over foreign policy, especially with India, Afghanistan, and the U.S..

• Controls major economic sectors and intelligence.

8. Provinces and Territories

Main Provinces:

1. Punjab – largest population, political powerhouse.

2. Sindh – home to Karachi, economic hub.

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) – bordering Afghanistan, security focus.

4. Balochistan – resource-rich but underdeveloped.

Other Regions:

• Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)

• Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)

• Islamabad Capital Territory

9. International Relations

• Key allies: China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

• Tensions with India, especially over Kashmir.

• Strategic role in Afghanistan, CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor).

• Member of OIC, SAARC, UN, IMF, SCO.