Ayub Khan:
Muhammad Ayub Khan was a Pakistani military officer and politician. He served as the second President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969. He came to power in a military coup and overthrew the democratic government of Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon. Ayub Khan’s reign was marked by modernization and economic growth, but also by authoritarianism and the suppression of political dissent. His policies led to the Green Revolution in Pakistan, which helped increase agricultural productivity and reduce poverty. However, his administration’s close ties to the United States and support for the Vietnam War.Ayub Khan resigned in 1969 after mass protests and the deteriorating political and economic situation in the country.
Ayub Khan presidency
 Early years:
Muhammad Ayub Khan was born on May 14, 1907 in the Hazara region of British India, now part of Pakistan. He comes from a military family and his father was a Subedar in the British Indian Army. Growing up, he was exposed to military life and its discipline, which shaped his later character.
Ayub Khan presidency
 Education:
Ayub Khan had his early education at Aligarh Muslim University where he excelled in studies and sports.He was a talented ice hockey player and represented his university nationally. After completing his training, he enlisted in the British Indian Army in 1928 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Ayub Khan presidency
 Military Career:
During his military career, Ayub Khan has proven himself to be a capable and competent officer. He took an active part in World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery and leadership. He rose to the rank of general and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951.
 Role in Politics:
Ayub Khan’s military experience and leadership qualities have made him a popular figure in Pakistani politics. In 1958 he seized power in a bloodless coup and declared himself President of Pakistan. He introduced several reforms that transformed the country’s economy and infrastructure, including the construction of large dams such as the Mangla Dam and the Tarbela Dam.
 Reign of Ayub Khan:
When we delve into the history of Pakistan, we cannot ignore the reign of Ayub Khan, one of the most influential rulers in the history of the country. Ayub Khan was the second President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969 and his reign had a significant impact on the country’s politics and economy.
 How did Ayub Khan become President of Pakistan?
Ayub Khan’s rise to power marks a turning point in Pakistan’s history. After the 1958 coup, he became president and chief martial law administrator, promising to hold elections within three months to restore democracy to the country. In this article, we will look at how Ayub Khan became President of Pakistan and the impact his rule had on the country.
Ayub Khan presidency
 Background:
Before coming to power, Ayub Khan was the first indigenous commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army and had a reputation as a capable and effective leader.However, he also criticized government policies and believed the country was in dire need of change.
On October 7, 1958, Ayub Khan and a group of officers led a coup and overthrew the government of President Iskander Mirza. Ayub Khan seized power as president and chief executive under martial law and vowed to hold elections within three months to restore democracy in the country.
One of the main reasons for the coup was the political instability and corruption that had plagued the country for several years. Ayub Khan believed that the country needs strong leadership to address these challenges and put it on the path of progress and development.
 Influence:
Ayub Khan’s rise to power had a significant impact on Pakistan’s politics and economy. He implemented several economic and constitutional reforms aimed at increasing economic growth and development, and established a presidential form of government.
Under his rule, Pakistan’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 6% and was successful in attracting foreign investment, leading to the establishment of several multinational companies in the country. He also introduced several welfare programs, including the National Basic Needs Program, which aimed to meet the basic needs of the poor and marginalized sections of society.
However, his policies have been criticized as authoritarian and met with widespread protest and resistance from opposition parties and the public.The political opposition accused him of suppressing political dissent, restricting press freedom and undermining democracy in the country.
 Ayub Khan’s foreign policy:
Ayub Khan’s foreign policy was shaped by his desire to advance Pakistan’s national interests and maintain its strategic position in the region. During his tenure as President of Pakistan, he pursued an allied and non-aligned policy aimed at balancing the country’s relations with major powers and maintaining its independence and sovereignty.
 Agreements with the United States:
One of the hallmarks of Ayub Khan’s foreign policy was his close ties with the United States. After coming to power in 1958, he sought to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic relationship with the United States and viewed the United States as a key ally in its efforts to modernize the country’s economy and military.
As part of this alliance, Pakistan became a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), established to curb Soviet influence in the region. Pakistan has also played a key role in the US-led war against communism in Afghanistan, and its military and intelligence agencies have received significant US support.
 No Alliance with India:
Despite his alliance with the United States, Ayub Khan also pursued a policy of non-alliance with India. Pakistan and India were locked in a bitter conflict over disputed Kashmir territory, and Ayub Khan was determined to uphold Pakistan’s position on the issue.
As part of this policy, Ayub Khan sought to mend Pakistan’s relations with China, a long-time ally of India.In 1963, Pakistan and China signed a border agreement that recognized China’s sovereignty over Tibet and settled a long-standing border dispute between the two countries.
Influence:
Ayub Khan’s foreign policy had a significant impact on Pakistan’s relations with other countries. Its alliance with the United States has brought significant economic and military aid to Pakistan, which has helped modernize the country’s military infrastructure and capabilities. However, it has also led to Pakistan’s involvement in the US-led war in Afghanistan, with lasting repercussions for the region. On the other hand, his non-alliance policy with India has helped perpetuate animosity and conflict between the two countries, particularly over the Kashmir issue.While his efforts to improve ties with China have helped strengthen Pakistan’s position in the region, they have also helped increase India’s distrust of Pakistan.
 Ayub Khan’s martial law:
A turning point in Pakistan’s history Ayub Khan’s martial law, imposed in 1958, marked a turning point in Pakistan’s history. It was a time of great political and social upheaval with lasting consequences for the country’s democratic institutions and civil society. In this article, we will look at Ayub Khan’s martial law and its impact on the political landscape of Pakistan.
 Background:
Ayub Khan came to power in 1958 after a coup against the civilian government of Prime Minister Feroz Khan at noon.He justified his takeover by saying that civilian government had failed to deal with the country’s economic and political challenges and that martial law was necessary to restore order and stability.
In the first year of Ayub Khan’s reign, he implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s economy and infrastructure. He abolished the Zamindari system, which enslaved rural peasants, and instituted land reforms to redistribute land among the landless. He also started the Green Revolution, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of modern technology.
 Impact:
While Ayub Khan’s reforms brought short-term benefits to Pakistan’s economy, they also had long-term implications for the country’s democratic institutions and civil society.During his tenure, Ayub Khan established a highly centralized and authoritarian regime characterized by repression of political opposition, media censorship and restrictions on civil liberties.
Ayub Khan also introduced a new constitution in 1962, which further strengthened his power. The constitution gave him wide powers, including the ability to remove elected officials and suspend civil liberties. He also established a system of presidential democracy characterized by a lack of checks and balances and limited political representation.
 Protests and Resistance:
Ayub Khan’s martial law also led to widespread protests and resistance.Many political leaders and activists were arrested and imprisoned, while others were forced to flee the country. The student movement in particular has proven to be a powerful force against the Ayub Khan regime. In 1968, student protests known as the “Unrest Movement” forced Ayub Khan to resign and ushered in a new era of democracy in Pakistan.
 Ayub Khan Constitution of 1962:
Ayub Khan Constitution of 1962 was a turning point in Pakistan’s political history. It replaced the country’s previous constitution and marked a clear break with its democratic traditions.
 Background:
Ayub Khan’s 1962 constitution was drafted under the aegis of the Order of Grassroots Democracies established in 1959. The Order aimed to create a system of “grassroots democracies”; which would form the basis of a new political system in Pakistan. The system was based on a series of indirect elections, in which representatives were elected locally and then elected to higher office.
The 1962 Constitution established a presidential form of government, in which the President was the head of state and had wide-ranging powers. The constitution abolished the previous parliamentary system, which had a prime minister and cabinet.Instead, the President was assisted by a Council of Ministers appointed by him, who were not answerable to the legislature.
 Features:
The 1962 Constitution contained several important elements. It provided for the creation of a unicameral parliament, the National Assembly. Assembly members were elected indirectly, with a small constituency composed of members of the primary democracies system. The Assembly had limited powers and its functions were primarily advisory.
The constitution also provided for the establishment of a judiciary independent of the executive branch. The judiciary had the power to interpret the constitution and settle disputes between the state and its citizens.
 Impact:
Ayub Khan’s 1962 constitution had a significant impact on Pakistan’s political landscape. It consolidated power in the hands of a president who had broad powers and few responsibilities. The president could dissolve the National Assembly and sack elected officials, including the prime minister.This created a highly centralized and authoritarian system of government characterized by repression of political opposition, media censorship, and restrictions on civil liberties.
The 1962 constitution also contributed to the erosion of Pakistan’s democratic traditions. It provided for a limited electorate that excluded most of the population from the political process.
 Conclusion:
In summary, Ayub Khan is a controversial figure in Pakistan’s history. He has made many contributions to the country, such as implementing land reform, industrialization and modernization.However, his rule was also marked by political repression, censorship and human rights violations.
Despite the controversy surrounding Ayub Khan, it is important to remember that history is complex and often filled with gray areas. Everyone must weigh the pros and cons of Ayub Khan’s legacy and come to their own conclusions.
 FAQ’S:
Q: Who was Ayub Khan?
A: Ayub Khan was a military officer who served as the second President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969.He came to power in a military coup and brought about significant changes in Pakistan’s political, economic and social system.
Q: What was Ayub Khan’s contribution to Pakistan?
A: Ayub Khan led a series of reforms in Pakistan including land reform, industrialization and modernization. It also strengthened the country’s military and fostered close ties with the United States.
Q: What was Ayub Khan’s human rights history?
A: Ayub Khan’s regime was characterized by political repression, censorship and human rights violations. His government cracked down on political dissent, imprisoned political opponents and censored the media.
 Q: Did Ayub Khan’s economic policies help Pakistan?
A: Ayub Khan’s economic policies have led to significant growth in Pakistan’s economy, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. However, these policies have also exacerbated income inequality, leaving many rural communities behind.
Q: Why was Ayub Khan finally forced to resign?
A: Ayub Khan’s resignation was prompted by widespread protests and a general strike across Pakistan in 1969. His rule became increasingly authoritarian, with many Pakistanis resenting his rule.
Q: How is Ayub Khan remembered today?
A: Ayub Khan’s legacy is still debated in Pakistan.Some see him as a strong leader who modernized the country. Others criticize his authoritarianism and respect for human rights.
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