The Military and Politics in Pakistan

The assumption of power by Ms. Benazir Bhutto after the November 1988 general elections marked the rehabilitation of civilian rule after a long spell of the military's direct and indirect rule in Pakistan. The top brass who assumed the command of the Army after the death of General Zia-ul-Haq have expressed their support for the Constitution and the elected civilian government. However, the military continues to be an important political force and Bhutto has to tread her path carefully. Given the delicate political situation, strong opposition to Bhutto in Punjab, and a well-established tradition of the military's direct role in politics, a return of the military to power in the future cannot be ruled out.