Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq Biography

Zia-ul-Haq becomes Chief of Army Staff after being selected to succeed General Tikka Khan.

Zia suspends parts of the Constitution after the military takeover.

The military government places Pakistan under martial law.

Zia's military takeover is designated Operation Fair Play.

The martial-law government detains Bhutto and opposition political leaders.

Zia expands state policies presented as Islamization.

The martial-law regime restricts political parties and public political activity.

Zia assumes the presidency while retaining military authority.

Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq becomes President after Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry leaves office.

Zia promulgates the Hudood Ordinances as part of his Islamization programme.

Zia's government advances judicial institutions for reviewing laws under Islamic principles.

Zia initially rejects an American aid offer following the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan.

Zia-ul-Haq positions Pakistan as a frontline state opposing the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan while expanding cooperation with the United States.

Zia issues a Provisional Constitutional Order requiring judges to take a new oath.

Zia-ul-Haq renames the Engineering Research Laboratories as Khan Research Laboratories in recognition of A. Q. Khan's work.

Zia announces a programme for elections and eventual termination of martial law.

Zia-ul-Haq's government deploys Pakistani forces after India occupies key positions on the Saltoro Ridge near Siachen.

Pakistani and Indian troops clash on the Siachen front after both sides establish positions in the high mountains.

Zia uses a referendum to claim a five-year presidential mandate.

The Eighth Amendment permits the President to dissolve the National Assembly.

Pakistan holds general elections without formal party participation.

Pakistan holds general elections without formal party participation.

General election outcome recorded for Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq: Pakistan holds general elections without formal party participation.

Government context for this general election: Pakistan holds general elections without formal party participation.

The government begins restoring the 1973 Constitution with substantial amendments.

The Eighth Amendment validates martial-law measures and expands presidential dissolution powers.

Zia lifts martial law while retaining extensive presidential powers.

Zia dismisses Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo and dissolves the National Assembly.

Zia announces new elections after removing the Junejo government.

Zia-ul-Haq dies in an aircraft crash near Bahawalpur.

The unexplained crash ends Zia-ul-Haq's presidency and military rule.

Death of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq