Pakistan Under Benazir Bhutto 1993-1996

Reportage, Comment & Analysis

From 1988 to 1999, Pakistan’s democracy faltered under the turbulent rivalry of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, whose power struggles and shortsighted decisions destabilized the nation. During Bhutto’s second term (1993–1996), attempts to collaborate with Sharif-like proposing a neutral president to abolish the controversial Clause 58-2(B) (which allowed presidents to dismiss elected prime ministers)-collapsed into mistrust. Instead, Bhutto appointed her ally, Farooq Leghari, as president, only for Sharif to later manipulate Leghari into ousting her using the same law they had sought to remove. Amid these challenges, Bhutto grappled with U.S. pressure to halt Pakistan’s nuclear program, a violent crackdown on MQM militants in Karachi, and support for Kashmir-focused militancy alongside the military.

The era was marred by corruption scandals like Mehrangate (fraudulent bank loans) and Surreygate (Bhutto’s disputed property dealings), as well as failed policies, tense India-Pakistan relations, and military interference. Judges justified coups using the “doctrine of necessity,” while leaders prioritized personal gain over governance. Bhutto’s political flaws-nepotism, autocratic tendencies-and Sharif’s cunning tactics deepened public disillusionment. Meanwhile, General Aslam Beg’s risky “grand plan” to expand Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and Kashmir added to the chaos.

Ultimately, democracy crumbled because Bhutto and Sharif focused on undermining each other rather than governing, institutions eroded, and the military capitalized on their failures. Their refusal to ensure fair elections or long-term stability led Pakistan straight into General Musharraf’s martial law in 1999. This period serves as a stark lesson in how greed, infighting, and weak institutions can destroy a nation’s democratic future.

PAGES: 653
AUTHOR: Najam Sethi
FORMAT:Hardback