1988 Elections

  Gen Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, the then Chief of Armed Forces overthrew the elected government on 15 July 1977, and later became the President of Pakistan. He amended the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, organized a referendum in 1984 and extended his term for another five years from 1985 to 1990.

  In May 1985, President Zia-ul-Haq dissolved the National Assembly headed by Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo, which was elected by a non-party election in 1985. On 30 May, the Governors dissolved the Provincial Assemblies and its cabinets.

  After making Shariah as the supreme law of the land, Zia in June 1988 announced elections to the National and Provisional Assemblies on non-party basis. All the political parties in Pakistan and also the international community pressurized Zia to hold a party based free and fair election.

  After Zia was killed in an aircraft accident in August 1987, the acting President Ghulam Ishaq Khan proclaimed emergency. On his direction, the Election Commission announced the dates for National and Provincial Assemblies and it allotted symbols for 30 political parties.

Manifestos

  Invariably all the major political parties like Islami Jamhoori Itehad, Pakistan National Party, Pakistan Peoples Party, Tehrik Istiqlal talked about restoration of Parliamentary form of government and democracy, enhancement of Islam, Provincial autonomy within the constitution, reduction in the defence budget, a peaceful and friendly relationship with India and other neighbours, and following a non-alignment policy with equal relationships with the two superpowers. 

Results for the National Assembly

Results for the Provincial Assemblies

  In the National Assembly, Pakistan People's Party emerged as the single largest party by securing 93 out of 207 seats. Next to that Islami Jamhoori Itehad (an alliance led by Pakistan Muslim League [Nawaz]) got 54 seats and Mohajir Quami Mohaz 13 seats. Out of 20 women seats for National Assembly, PPP won 12 and IJI 5 seats.  In Provincial Assemblies results PPP won 184 out of 460.  PML (N) won 133 and MQM 26.  In the post-election alliance MQM took part in the Sindh Provincial government, and it supported PPP in the National Assembly. PPP dominated in Sindh province by winning 67 out of 100 and formed the government in NWFP province also. IJI formed government in Punjab and Baluchistan. 

  Benazir Bhutto, the PPP co-chairperson, was sworn in as the first women Prime Minister of Pakistan on 12 December 1988. In the vote of confidence she won with great majority, but unfortunately the government on 6 August 1990 was dismissed by the President Ghulam Ishaq Khan under the charges of corruption in the administration as well as among the politicians.

1990 Elections 

  Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi was appointed as the Prime Minister for the caretaker government. He proclaimed emergency under clause (1) of Article 232 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Manifestos

  IJI reiterated its commitment to build Pakistan as an Islamic democratic state and to establish the supremacy of the Quran and Sunnah. The other parties stressed on establishment of true democracy and eradication of dictatorship of individual and monopoly of family.

Results for the National Assembly