The Aftermath of Liaquat Ali Khan’s Assassination
The assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, left a gaping void in the country’s leadership. In the aftermath, the Muslim League made a decision that would have far-reaching consequences for the fledgling nation. They shifted Khawaja Nazimuddin, the Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad, to the position of Prime Minister, hoping to find a steady hand to navigate the turbulent waters.
However, the choice proved to be disastrous. Nazimuddin, while holding the office of Governor-General, had not wielded the full extent of his powers, content to maintain a more passive role. This perception of harmlessness led the Muslim League to promote Ghulam Muhammad, a bureaucrat who had never been part of the Pakistan movement, to the position of Governor-General.
The Paralyzed Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad
Ghulam Muhammad’s tenure as Governor-General was marked by a significant challenge – he was paralyzed, making it difficult for him to communicate effectively. His American secretary served as a translator, mediating his interactions with the public and government officials.
Despite his physical limitations, Ghulam Muhammad was determined to assert his authority. Pakistan, still without a constitution, was being governed under the British Act of 1935, which granted the Governor-General extensive powers. Seizing the opportunity, Ghulam Muhammad began to exercise these powers in ways that were both legally and morally questionable.
Ghulam Muhammad’s Abuse of Power
During Ghulam Muhammad’s tenure, two significant events occurred that highlighted his disregard for democratic principles. In East Pakistan, protesters advocating for the recognition of the Bangla language were met with a violent crackdown, with security forces opening fire on the demonstrators.
In Lahore, Ghulam Muhammad imposed martial law to suppress a movement against the Ahmadis, a religious minority group. This was the first time martial law had been declared in a single city, a clear abuse of power.
Ghulam Muhammad’s most egregious act, however, was his dismissal of Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin. Nazimuddin, recognizing the unconstitutional nature of this move, appealed to the Queen of England to disapprove the decision. Disappointingly, the United Kingdom, which prides itself on being the oldest democracy, refused to intervene, allowing Ghulam Muhammad’s power grab to stand.
The Dissolution of the Legislative Assembly
Ghulam Muhammad’s disregard for democratic norms continued when, in 1954, he dissolved the Legislative Assembly, despite the fact that the draft of Pakistan’s first constitution was nearly complete. It is widely believed that this decision was made with the full support of the Army Chief, General Ayub Khan, who was subsequently appointed as the Minister of Defense.
This marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history, as the military began to assert its influence in the country’s politics, a trend that would continue to shape the nation’s trajectory in the years to come.
The Downfall of Ghulam Muhammad
Ghulam Muhammad’s reign as Governor-General was ultimately short-lived. His blatant abuse of power and disregard for democratic principles sparked widespread opposition, with many calling for his removal. In the face of this growing resistance, Ghulam Muhammad was eventually forced to resign in 1955, paving the way for a new era in Pakistan’s history.
The story of Ghulam Muhammad’s rise and fall serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of upholding democratic values. As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the lessons of this pivotal moment in its history remain relevant, reminding the nation of the sacrifices and struggles that have shaped its path.
