Rise and Downfall of Ayub regime

The October 1958 Revolution, led by General Ayub Khan, is often characterized as a bloodless coup. It occurred after a period of extreme political instability and economic chaos in Pakistan, leading to the imposition of the country's first nationwide martial law with significant initial public support.

General Muhammad Ayub Khan took complete control of the country on October 27, 1958, after forcing President Iskandar Mirza to resign. Although Mirza had initially declared martial law on October 7, Ayub Khan successfully removed him to become both the Chief Martial Law Administrator and the President.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi by President Ayub Khan and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Mediated by the World Bank, it allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.

President Ayub Khan sought to normalize relations with India early in his tenure to focus on domestic development. His efforts culminated in the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty and his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Delhi to discuss bilateral issues.

In 1959, President Ayub Khan proposed a 'Joint Defence' pact with India to protect the subcontinent from external threats. However, the proposal was rejected by Indian Prime Minister Nehru, who questioned against whom the joint defense would be directed.

The Basic Democracies Order was promulgated by President Ayub Khan in October 1959. It introduced a tiered system of local government designed to build democracy from the grassroots level, although it was also used as an electoral college for the presidency.

The first phase of elections for the 80,000 Basic Democrats (40,000 from each wing) was held in late 1959 and January 1960. These elected members then participated in a referendum to confirm Ayub Khan as President in February 1960.

The 1962 Constitution was announced by President Ayub Khan on March 1, 1962, and came into effect on June 8, 1962. It established a presidential form of government and replaced the parliamentary system of the 1956 Constitution.

PIDC was established in 1952 to promote industrialization in Pakistan by setting up industries that the private sector was hesitant to enter. It played a pivotal role in establishing the industrial base for textiles, cement, and chemicals in the early years.

The full-scale war between India and Pakistan commenced on September 6, 1965, when Indian troops crossed the international border towards Lahore. The conflict was triggered by tensions in Kashmir and lasted for 17 days before a UN-mandated ceasefire.

Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Prime Minister of India during the 1965 war. He famously gave the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' during the conflict and represented India at the subsequent Tashkent Declaration.

The Battle of Chawinda in the Sialkot sector, which saw heavy tank engagement starting around September 11, 1965, is known as one of the largest tank battles since World War II. Pakistani forces successfully halted the Indian armored advance.

Following a resolution by the UN Security Council, both India and Pakistan agreed to stop fighting. The ceasefire officially came into effect at 3:00 a.m. on September 23, 1965, ending the 17-day war.

Alexei Kosygin, the Premier of the Soviet Union, acted as a mediator between Pakistan and India. He invited the leaders of both nations to Tashkent in January 1966 to negotiate a peaceful settlement after the 1965 war.

The Tashkent Meeting resulted in the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966. Under this agreement, both countries agreed to withdraw their forces to the positions they held prior to August 5, 1965, and to restore diplomatic relations.

Widespread public protests, spearheaded by political leaders like Z.A. Bhutto and the students, began in late 1968 and intensified in 1969. Facing immense pressure and declining health, Ayub Khan resigned on March 25, 1969.