Third martial law in Pakistan
Martial law:
Martial law is the substitution of the civilian government for military role, and the
suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. Martial law can continue for a
specified amount of time, or indefinitely, and standard civil liberties may be suspended for as
long as martial law continues.
3rd Martial law imposed in Pakistan:
After deposing Prime Minister Bhutto on 5 july
1977, Zia -ul- Haq declared martial law, and
appointed himself Chief Martial law Administrator,
which he remained until becoming president on
16 September 1978.
The main points of Zia-ul-Haq's martial law regime in Pakistan were as follows:
1. Suspension of the Constitution:
Zia-ul-Haq suspended the 1973 Constitution and dissolved the elected National
Assembly and provincial assemblies. He established the Provisional Constitutional Order
(PCO) as the governing document during martial law.
2. Suppression of Civil Liberties:
Under martial law, Zia-ul-Haq curtailed fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association were restricted, and political
opponents, activists, and journalists were arrested and subjected to censorship and media
control.
3. Islamization:
One of the central aspects of Zia-ul-Haq's regime was the promotion of
Islamization. He implemented a series of Islamic reforms, including the introduction of
Islamic laws known as Hudood ordinances, which enforced punishments based on
Islamic principles. He also increased the role of Islamic institutions and clergy in
governance.
4. Political Repression:
Zia-ul-Haq suppressed political parties and banned political activities, limiting
political participation and opposition. His regime established the Majlis-e-Shoora, a
consultative assembly, with restricted powers to provide a semblance of civilian
involvement in decision-making.
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Martial law:
Martial law is the substitution of the civilian government for military role, and the
suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. Martial law can continue for a
specified amount of time, or indefinitely, and standard civil liberties may be suspended for as
long as martial law continues.
3rd Martial law imposed in Pakistan:
After deposing Prime Minister Bhutto on 5 july
1977, Zia -ul- Haq declared martial law, and
appointed himself Chief Martial law Administrator,
which he remained until becoming president on
16 September 1978.
The main points of Zia-ul-Haq's martial law regime in Pakistan were as follows:
1. Suspension of the Constitution:
Zia-ul-Haq suspended the 1973 Constitution and dissolved the elected National
Assembly and provincial assemblies. He established the Provisional Constitutional Order
(PCO) as the governing document during martial law.
2. Suppression of Civil Liberties:
Under martial law, Zia-ul-Haq curtailed fundamental rights and civil liberties.
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association were restricted, and political
opponents, activists, and journalists were arrested and subjected to censorship and media
control.
3. Islamization:
One of the central aspects of Zia-ul-Haq's regime was the promotion of
Islamization. He implemented a series of Islamic reforms, including the introduction of
Islamic laws known as Hudood ordinances, which enforced punishments based on
Islamic principles. He also increased the role of Islamic institutions and clergy in
governance.
4. Political Repression:
Zia-ul-Haq suppressed political parties and banned political activities, limiting
political participation and opposition. His regime established the Majlis-e-Shoora, a
consultative assembly, with restricted powers to provide a semblance of civilian
involvement in decision-making.
1|Page
