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Student Id Number:
Level: M.Sc (pak study) Semester: Autumn,2023
Course: Political Parties and Pressure Groups in
Pakistan
Course Code: (545)
Assignment No. 02

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Q.1. Define the performance of political parties in Pakistan during 1947-1958.
Ans;-
The period from 1947 to 1958 in Pakistan was marked by significant political developments,
challenges, and changes. The newly formed state faced the immediate task of establishing
its political structure, defining its identity, and addressing socio-economic issues. The
performance of political parties during this time was shaped by a range of factors, including
the partition of British India, the integration of diverse regions, and the complexities of
managing a newly independent state.

Key Political Parties:

1. Muslim League:
- The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, played a crucial role in the
creation of Pakistan in 1947. After independence, the Muslim League became the dominant
political party. However, internal divisions emerged, and the party struggled to maintain its
initial unity.

2. Awami League:
- The Awami League, initially a part of the All-India Muslim League, emerged as a distinct
political entity in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Led by leaders like Huseyn Shaheed
Suhrawardy and later Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League represented the interests
of East Pakistan and advocated for regional autonomy.

3. Republican Party:
- The Republican Party, led by Feroz Khan Noon, played a role in the politics of West
Pakistan. Noon served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1957 to 1958.

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4. Communist Party:
- The Communist Party of Pakistan, though relatively small, had a presence in the political
landscape. It advocated for socialist principles and workers' rights.

Major Events and Challenges:

1. First Constituent Assembly (1947):

- The First Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was tasked with drafting the country's
constitution. However, it faced challenges, including debates over the role of Islam in the
state, the status of minorities, and the distribution of powers between the central
government and provinces.

2. Liaquat-Nehru Pact (1950):

- The Liaquat-Nehru Pact between Pakistan and India in 1950 aimed to protect the rights of
minorities in both countries. However, it faced criticism, particularly in Pakistan, and
contributed to the polarized political environment.

3. One Unit Scheme (1954):

- The One Unit Scheme, implemented in 1954, merged the provinces of West Pakistan into a
single administrative unit. While intended to address administrative efficiency, it led to
concerns about the political marginalization of smaller provinces.

4. Awami League's Six-Point Movement (1956):

- In 1956, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, presented the Six-Point
Movement, calling for greater autonomy for East Pakistan. The movement highlighted
regional disparities and contributed to political tensions.

5. Dismissal of Constituent Assembly (1954 and 1958):

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 - Political instability and governance issues led to the dismissal of the Constituent Assembly in
1954. This was followed by the imposition of martial law in 1958, marking the end of the
democratic phase in Pakistan until the 1970s.

Assessment:

1. Political Instability:
- The period witnessed political instability, with frequent changes in government and
difficulties in establishing a stable political order.

2. Regional Disparities:
- Regional disparities, particularly between East and West Pakistan, became pronounced,
leading to demands for greater autonomy and representation from East Pakistan.

3. Economic Challenges:
- The early years were marked by economic challenges, including the rehabilitation of
refugees, economic reconstruction, and the integration of diverse economies.

4. Military Intervention (1958):

- The period ended with the imposition of martial law in 1958 by General Ayub Khan, marking
the beginning of military rule in Pakistan.

The period from 1947 to 1958 laid the groundwork for subsequent political developments in
Pakistan. The challenges faced during this time, including regional disparities and
governance issues, continued to shape the country's political landscape in the years that
followed. The shift toward military rule in 1958 marked a turning point in Pakistan's
political trajectory.

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Q.2 Why ANP could not enhance its status as national political party and been limited to
some regions of Pakistan? Explain in detail.
Ans;-
The Awami National Party (ANP) in Pakistan has faced challenges in expanding its national
political influence and has remained primarily influential in certain regions, particularly
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and parts of Balochistan. Several factors contribute to its
limited national reach:

1. Ethnic and Regional Focus: ANP historically represented Pashtun nationalism and
championed the rights and interests of Pashtuns. While this regional focus helped it gain
prominence in KP, it limited its appeal beyond Pashtun-majority areas.

2. Political Landscape and Competition: Pakistan's political landscape is dominated by larger

parties like the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI), which have nationwide appeal. ANP faced tough competition in expanding its voter
base beyond its stronghold areas due to the established presence of these parties.

3. Security Challenges: KP, ANP's stronghold, faced significant security threats from militant
groups. The party became a target due to its progressive and secular stance, resulting in the
loss of prominent leaders and hindering its ability to campaign effectively.

4. Internal Challenges and Factionalism: Like many political parties, ANP grappled with
internal rifts and factionalism, affecting its organizational strength and unity. Infighting and
differences among leaders weakened its ability to present a unified front and expand its
influence.

5. Perception and Messaging: ANP's stance on certain issues, such as its advocacy for Pashtun
rights and secular politics, might not resonate equally with voters in other regions of

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 Pakistan, where different concerns and ideologies prevail. The party's messaging might not
have been effectively tailored to address broader national issues.

6. Election Dynamics: Pakistan's electoral system, which favors larger parties and makes it
challenging for smaller regional parties to gain a significant foothold at the national level,
posed hurdles for ANP's aspirations to expand beyond its regional base.

7. Resource Constraints: ANP faced challenges in competing with larger parties in terms of
financial resources, media outreach, and campaign infrastructure, limiting its ability to
effectively challenge the dominance of other parties at a national level.

ANP's struggle to expand its national footprint is multifaceted, stemming from a combination of
regional focus, tough political competition, security threats, internal challenges, and
limitations within Pakistan's electoral and political system. Overcoming these barriers
would require strategic repositioning, broader messaging, addressing internal issues, and
adapting to the evolving political landscape beyond its traditional strongholds.
Q.3 Describe the role of political parties in development of democracy in Pakistan during
1988-1999.
Ans;-
The period from 1988 to 1999 in Pakistan was marked by significant political developments,
including the transition from military rule to civilian governance, the emergence of political
parties, and subsequent challenges. The role of political parties during this time played a
crucial part in shaping the trajectory of democracy in Pakistan. Here's an overview of the
key aspects:

1. End of Military Rule:

- The period began with the end of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq's military rule, which had
lasted for nearly a decade. Zia's death in a plane crash in 1988 opened the door for a return
to civilian governance.
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2. Political Transition:
- The political transition from military rule to civilian government was facilitated by a
combination of internal and external factors. Political parties played a pivotal role in
shaping this transition by participating in elections and contributing to the establishment of
democratic institutions.

3. Elections of 1988:
- The 1988 general elections marked a significant turning point. Political parties actively
participated, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged as the leading party. Benazir
Bhutto became the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country. The elections signaled a
return to democratic governance.

4. Role of PPP and PML-N:

- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were
two major political forces during this period. They alternated in power, and their leaders,
Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, took turns serving as Prime Ministers.

5. Challenges to Democracy:
- Despite the return to civilian rule, the period was not without challenges to democracy. There
were instances of political instability, accusations of corruption, and confrontations
between the executive and the judiciary.

6. Military Interventions:
- The military continued to play a role in Pakistani politics during this period. There were
instances of military interventions and dismissals of civilian governments, contributing to a
turbulent political environment.

7. Struggle for Power:

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 - Political parties engaged in a continuous struggle for power, often marked by political
maneuvering, coalition-building, and alliances. The competition for dominance influenced
the stability of governments.

8. Economic Reforms:
- Both PPP and PML-N governments initiated economic reforms during their respective
tenures. These reforms were aimed at addressing economic challenges, attracting foreign
investment, and promoting economic development.

9. Nuclear Tests and Global Isolation:

- In 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, leading to global condemnation and isolation. The
political leadership, particularly under Nawaz Sharif, faced challenges in managing the
fallout from these tests.

10. Kargil Conflict:

- The Kargil conflict with India in 1999, during Nawaz Sharif's tenure, further strained the
political situation. The fallout from the conflict eventually led to a military coup led by
General Pervez Musharraf.

11. Military Rule (1999):

- In 1999, General Musharraf seized power in a coup, marking the end of the civilian
government. This led to another period of military rule, which lasted until 2008.

In summary, the role of political parties during the period of 1988-1999 in Pakistan was
characterized by their involvement in the transition from military rule to civilian
governance, the alternating power dynamics between major political players, economic
reforms, and the challenges posed by external events. However, the period also witnessed
instances of political instability, military interventions, and the eventual return to military

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 rule in 1999. The interplay of these factors had a significant impact on the development of
democracy in Pakistan during this time.
Q.4 Critically examine the politics of reconciliation between PPP and PML (N) during
2002-2008
Ans:-
The period between 2002 and 2008 in Pakistan witnessed attempts at political reconciliation
between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)
[PML-N]. Several factors and events during this time frame shaped the dynamics of their
relationship, and a critical examination reveals both positive and contentious aspects.

Positive Aspects:

1. Anti-Musharraf Sentiment: Both the PPP, led by Benazir Bhutto, and the PML-N, led by
Nawaz Sharif, shared a common adversary in President Pervez Musharraf. The desire to
counterbalance Musharraf's influence and challenge his authoritarian rule provided a basis
for cooperation between the two parties.

2. Charter of Democracy: The Charter of Democracy (CoD) was a significant document signed
by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 2006. This charter outlined a commitment to
democratic governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. It was an important step
toward creating a common political agenda and fostering cooperation between the PPP and
PML-N.

3. Struggle Against Authoritarianism: Both parties had faced repression under military rule, with
their leaders being ousted and facing legal challenges. The shared experience of
challenging military dictatorship created a sense of solidarity, fostering a desire for
democratic governance.

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4. Muk-Muka (Understanding): The term "Muk-Muka" (understanding) was used to describe the
informal agreements and cooperation between the PPP and PML-N in certain political
matters. This included efforts to resist Musharraf's influence and to restore the judiciary
after the removal of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Contentious Aspects:

1. Evolving Alliances: While there were instances of cooperation, the political landscape was
marked by shifting alliances and realignments. The political parties were often driven by
pragmatism and self-interest, and their cooperation was not consistently applied across all
issues.

2. Role of Personalities: The politics of reconciliation often revolved around personalities,

particularly Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. The cooperation was, to some extent,
personality-driven, and this reliance on individual leaders made the stability of the alliance
vulnerable to changes in leadership dynamics.

3. Musharraf's Manipulation: Critics argue that President Musharraf exploited the fissures and
differences within the political opposition. There were allegations that the government
played a role in creating divisions to weaken the collective opposition against Musharraf's
rule.

4. Limited Policy Consensus: While the Charter of Democracy outlined broad principles, the two
parties did not always agree on specific policy issues. Differences over governance,
economic policies, and regional matters persisted, limiting the depth of their political
understanding.

5. Post-Election Tensions: After the 2008 general elections, which followed the end of
Musharraf's rule, tensions arose between the PPP and PML-N over issues such as the
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 reinstatement of judges and power-sharing arrangements. The post-election period
highlighted the challenges of maintaining a cohesive political relationship beyond the
common goal of ousting Musharraf.

In conclusion, the politics of reconciliation between the PPP and PML-N during 2002-2008
demonstrated both positive collaborative efforts and contentious aspects driven by shifting
alliances, individual personalities, and divergent policy positions. While there were
commonalities in their struggle against authoritarianism, maintaining a sustained and
comprehensive political alliance proved challenging, reflecting the complexities inherent in
Pakistani politics.
Q.5 Discuss the role of religious parties in Pakistan during 2008-2018.
Ans;-
The period from 2008 to 2018 in Pakistan witnessed the active involvement of religious parties
in the country's political landscape. During this time frame, Pakistan experienced significant
political changes, including the transition from military rule to civilian governance, the rise of
new political movements, and ongoing challenges related to terrorism and extremism. The role
of religious parties during this period can be examined in several key aspects:

1. Participation in Elections:
- Religious parties continued to participate in general elections during this period. While they
didn't dominate the political scene, they maintained a presence, particularly in certain regions.
These parties often focused on issues related to Islamization, Sharia law, and the protection of
what they perceived as Islamic values.

2. Advocacy for Islamic Legislation:

- Religious parties remained vocal advocates for the implementation of Islamic laws and norms
in Pakistan. They called for the enforcement of Sharia and opposed any attempts to amend or
repeal existing laws that they considered contrary to Islamic principles.

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3. Protests and Mobilization:
- Religious parties were involved in organizing protests and demonstrations on issues they
deemed crucial to their agenda. These protests often revolved around issues such as blasphemy
laws, perceived infringements on Islamic values, and international events that they considered
contrary to Islam.

4. Opposition to Amendments and Reforms:

- Religious parties were often resistant to proposed legal amendments or reforms that they
perceived as undermining Islamic principles. This included opposition to changes in educational
curricula, family laws, and attempts to introduce more progressive legislation.

5. Concerns over Terrorism and Extremism:

- The period from 2008 to 2018 was marked by ongoing concerns over terrorism and
extremism in Pakistan. Some religious parties were criticized for their perceived connections to
militant groups, raising questions about the role of certain elements within these parties in
fostering extremism.

6. Electorally Limited Success:

- While religious parties maintained a presence in Pakistani politics, their electoral success was
limited during this period. They struggled to secure a significant number of seats in the national
and provincial assemblies, and their influence remained localized to specific regions.

7. Internal Diversity:
- It's important to note that religious parties in Pakistan are not monolithic; they have internal
diversity in terms of ideology, approach, and political strategy. Some focused on electoral
politics, while others were more engaged in activism and social issues.

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8. Challenges and Criticisms:
- Religious parties faced challenges and criticisms, including accusations of being
insufficiently committed to democratic principles, promoting intolerance, and lacking a
comprehensive socio-economic agenda.

9. Interaction with Mainstream Politics:

- Some religious parties sought to engage with mainstream politics and formed alliances with
larger political parties. This allowed them to have a more direct impact on policy decisions, even
if their individual electoral success remained limited.

In summary, the role of religious parties in Pakistan from 2008 to 2018 was marked by a
combination of political participation, advocacy for Islamic principles, and varying degrees of
success in electoral politics. The period also saw ongoing challenges related to extremism and
concerns about the potential influence of certain elements within these parties. The political
landscape remained dynamic and complex, reflecting the diverse array of political forces in
Pakistan.

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