Zia ul Haq martial law Imposed
Notes Zia ul haq General Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law in Pakistan on July 5, 1977, termed "Operation Fair Play," primarily due to intense political instability, violent protests, and a deadlock between the PPP and PNA opposition following the disputed 1977 elections. The military cited a "grave national crisis," a breakdown of law and order, and the need to prevent further chaos as justifications for removing Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Political Crisis and Disputed Elections: The March 1977 general elections were vehemently rejected by the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) opposition, leading to massive protests, riots, and a total failure of negotiations between the government and opposition caused so much unrest that army had to take up the control. Failure of Political Leadership: The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and PNA were unable to reach a compromise, raising fears of severe civil disorder or a potential civil war. Breakdown of Law and Ord...