Public Defense of Mr. Tahir Munir, a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Department of History
The Public Defense of Mr. Tahir Munir, a Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Department of History, University of Peshawar is scheduled at 11:00 AM on November 24, 2022 at the Department of History, University of Peshawar.
He has worked under the supervision of Prof. Salman Bangash and his dissertation is entitled National Awami Party and the Political Developments in Pakistan (1972-1975).
Abstract:The creation of Pakistan, in 1947, realized a hope for the progressive forces of the state that political development would gain momentum, however, their hopes were frustrated when Muslim League avoided any political activity as well as mobilization of the masses for a secular and democratic state. The progressive nationalist forces, with their strong rootsin Eastern and Western wings of Pakistan,gathered on the same page and formed an all-Pakistan National Awami Party-NAPin 1957.The new party gainedmuch popularity, and thus, the elite class and anti-democratic forces felt a threat to their political stature and planned to avert it (NAP)before the 1958 general elections. However, the imposition of Martial Law in 1958, resulted in the postponement of 1958 elections followed by the banning of all political parties including NAP.The NAP leadership condemned that imposition, demanded the reanimation of the democratic process and holding of elections. It opposed the one-manshow of Ayub Khanand struggled for the restoration of democracy.The NAP’s political acumen was noticeableandthe appeasing offers by the Ayub’s Government were declined. Apart from opposing Ayub’s dictatorial rule, NAP also confronted General Mohammad Yahya Khan and defied his authority. On the other hand, an internal split resulted in the emergence of two groups, i.e. NAP (Bhashani) and NAP (Wali) led by Maulana Abdul Hameed Bhashani and Abdul Wali Khan respectively. In general elections 1970, when Awami League got a clear-cut majority it demanded that power should be given to the major political party. It did its utmost best to find an amicable solution of the political issue. It also opposed the army action in East Pakistan. In the framing of the constitution, it emphasized the introduction of a parliamentary form of government and the rights to be given to the federating units’ alongwith provincial autonomy. It was politically victimized by the PPP regime and its government in Balochistan was also dissolved by thesame regime. Moreover, in Mr. Hayat Sherpao’s assassination case, the party was banned and its leaders arrested.The trial started against its leaders in Hyderabad Jail, and although, interestingly, the regime offered a compromise to the defunct NAP leaders, however, it was declined. In the Martial Law of General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, the party was allowed to function again and its leaders were unconditionally released from jail. The Martial Law authorities maintained that the cases filed against the NAP and its leaders were baseless and nothing could be found against the party and its leadership.