Summary First constituent assembly was dissolved on 24th of October-1947.
(Web Desk)- As country’s top court is all set to announce verdict in the much hyped Panama Leaks Case today, here is a brief history of Pakistan’s politics with many twists and turns in its plot.
First session of Pakistan’s constituent assembly was held on 10th of August-1947 and the house unanimously approved to form constitutional assembly. This constitutional assembly was later dissolved on 24th of October-1947.
Maulvi Tamizuddin, challenged the dismissal of assembly but Sindh High Court retained Governor General’s decision.
In 1960s, an ardent movement was launched against former president Ayub Khan on increasing price of sugar by 25 paisa which later evolved into a war between classes. From the ashes of this movement, emerged dynamic leader Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who chanted slogan of “Roti, Kapra or Makan”. The slogan was aimed at addressing the vicious issue of rising inequality. Bhutto’s slogan caught eyeballs and his party swept polls in the East Pakistan. Soon, an aggressive movement was launched and Bhutto was dethroned on 5th of July-1977.
Former president Zia dismissed Junejo-led government on 29th of February-1989 as differences between Zia and Junejo reached the point of no-return on Afghanistan issue. 750 elected representatives were sent home.
In 1989, Benazir Bhutto’s reign came to an end when president dissolved assembly over corruption allegations. Six petitions were filed against president’s decision but SC retained verdict of LHC which had earleir dismissed all of them.
Nawaz Sharif’s government in 1993 was abdicated over same reasons by president. A case was filed in SC and apex court, in its verdict, stated that assembly could not be dissolved merely on allegations of corruption. Nawaz and his cabinet was restored but later assembly was dissolved with mutual consent.
In 1997, Benazir-led PPP government once again met the old faith when assembly was dissolved on similar charges. In 2012, PPP’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was ousted by apex court.
Now once again, apex court is the center of attention as entire nation is looking forward for a historical verdict in Panama Leaks Case.
