On 7 October 1958 Major-General Sahibzada Sayyid Iskander Ali Mirza , the first president and last governor general of Pakistan, imposed first martial law. He gave the reason of introducing new constitution , more suited to people of Pakistan, to justify his act. But many people disagree with it. According to them he imposed martial just to remain in presidency for a little longer. He was afraid of losing his power after new elections under the present constitution which was only two years old at that time.
Only three weeks later, on 27 October, Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan who was appointed as martial law administrator by Iskander Mirza, kicked him out of presidency and declared himself the new president. Thus the constitutional martial law turned into an act of treason.
This martial law was initially welcomed in Pakistan. He held an indirect referendum in 1960 and gave a new constitution in 1962. In 1964 he announced a presidential election. Fatima Jinnah, sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was his opponent. Ayub got 64% votes with heavy rigging in his favour.
Ayub allowed USAF to establish a communications monitoring facility near Peshawar. USA was allowed to use our air space and air bases. They conducted spy plane flights over USSR. By doing this he moved Pakistan into an open hostility with the USSR.
War of 1965 was a turning point of his rule. Tashkent Declaration was a betrayal and was not taken positively. This was the time when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto turned against him and resigned from office. Ayub could not withstand the growing opposition and increasing pressure from Bhutto and Maulana Bhashani. He transferred his powers to another army man General Yahya Khan on 25 March 1969. This transfer of power was another big mistake by him. He opened the doors for another martial law.
Only three weeks later, on 27 October, Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan who was appointed as martial law administrator by Iskander Mirza, kicked him out of presidency and declared himself the new president. Thus the constitutional martial law turned into an act of treason.
This martial law was initially welcomed in Pakistan. He held an indirect referendum in 1960 and gave a new constitution in 1962. In 1964 he announced a presidential election. Fatima Jinnah, sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was his opponent. Ayub got 64% votes with heavy rigging in his favour.
Ayub allowed USAF to establish a communications monitoring facility near Peshawar. USA was allowed to use our air space and air bases. They conducted spy plane flights over USSR. By doing this he moved Pakistan into an open hostility with the USSR.
War of 1965 was a turning point of his rule. Tashkent Declaration was a betrayal and was not taken positively. This was the time when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto turned against him and resigned from office. Ayub could not withstand the growing opposition and increasing pressure from Bhutto and Maulana Bhashani. He transferred his powers to another army man General Yahya Khan on 25 March 1969. This transfer of power was another big mistake by him. He opened the doors for another martial law.
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