Abstract
This paper mainly explores the genesis of power politics in Pakistan during 1971-1977. The era witnessed political
disorders that the country had experienced after the tragic event of the separation of East Pakistan. Bhutto’s desire
for absolute power and his efforts to introduce a system that would make him the main force in power alienated
both, the opposition and his colleagues and supporters. Instead of a democratic stance on competitive policies, he
adopted an authoritarian style and confronted the National People's Party, leading to an era characterized by
power politics and personality clashes between the stalwarts of the time. This mutual distrust between Bhutto and
the opposition - led to a coalition of diverse political groups in the opposition, forming alliances such as the United
Democratic Front and the Pakistan National Alliance to counter Bhutto's attempts of establishing a sort of civilian
dictatorship. This study attempts to highlight the main theoretical and political implications of power politics
between the ruling PPP and the opposition parties which left behind deep imprints on the history of Pakistan
leading to the imposition of martial law in 1977. If the political parties tackle the situation with harmony, a firm
democracy can establish in Pakistan.
Ulfat Zahra, Javed Iqbal. (2021) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the Beginning of Confrontationist Power Politics in Pakistan 1971-1977, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume-58, Issue-2.
-
Views
828 -
Downloads
141
Article Details
Volume
Issue
Type
Language
