Discuss in detail the causes of martial law in Pakistan in 1958?

Answer 1

Declaration of martial law in 1958 was solely due to the fast political manoeuvrings and changes that took place in the country. During the period of 1955-57, a period of uncertainty prevailed as four Prime Ministers changed posts. Iskander Mirza was appointed as the First President of Pakistan under the 1956 Constitution. He wanted to appoint those people as Prime Minister who could serve as a puppet under his control. But this was not to be and Mirza could not develop proper working relations with them. Muhammad Ali Bogra was the first Prime Minister under Mirza but he soon resigned and was replaced by Chauhdry Muhammad Ali. Hussain Shaheed suhrawardy, I.I. Chundrigar and Malik FerozKhan Noon succeeded him. Assemblies were dissolved frequently and the political situation in Pakistan became unstable. Introduction of the One-Minute Policy of Mirza created great dissatisfaction among East Pakistanis as they now lost the right to demand extra weight in the assemblies. Keeping in view the unpleasant situation in the country and the fact that the population was not complying to the government, Iskander Mirza, along with the aid of Ayub Khan, abrogated the Constitution and introduced Martial Law in Pakistan in 1958.