August 6: The Silent Scream of Democracy
✍️ Written by: Salman Ahmed Qureshi
Some days are more than dates — they are wounds on the soul of a nation. August 6, 1990, was one such date in Pakistan's history. On this day, the first elected government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan — not merely a constitutional decision, but a calculated blow to democracy. This marked the beginning of a long chapter of conspiracies, political engineering, and undemocratic interference in Pakistan.
👩⚖️ The Rise and Resistance of Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto — the first female Prime Minister of the Islamic world — held power for just 18 months. During this time, she faced relentless opposition:
No-confidence motions
Character assassination
The "Changa Manga" horse-trading scandal, where MNAs were virtually abducted and detained
This period remains a dark stain on Pakistan’s political maturity.
📜 August 6, 1990 — A Constitutional Coup
President Ghulam Ishaq Khan used Article 58(2)(b) to dismiss the government. The justification:
“Poor governance, rising corruption, and unrest.”
But Benazir Bhutto called it what it truly was:
"A bloody night on democracy."
Behind this move stood the shadow of the establishment — never willing to tolerate an empowered civilian leadership.
🧩 A Pre-Planned Political Puzzle
After General Zia-ul-Haq's death, Ghulam Ishaq Khan rose to the presidency. He reluctantly accepted Benazir as PM but under tight strings:
Limited powers
Hostile governors
Control over critical ministries
When she resisted, a systematic campaign began to dismantle her authority.
🧍 Nawaz Sharif — The Chosen Successor
The removal of PPP paved the way for Nawaz Sharif, a business-backed political entrant supported by the establishment. His politics revolved around opposing Benazir, not policy.
Eventually, the same cycle consumed him — as he too fell to undemocratic forces in later years.
⚔️ Decades of Instability That Followed
From 1990 onwards, Pakistan’s democratic system was plagued by conspiracies:
1993: Nawaz vs. Ghulam Ishaq ended with both resigning (Kakar Formula)
1996: Benazir's second dismissal
1999: General Pervez Musharraf's military coup
At every step, public opinion and elected governments were overthrown by secret hands.
✍️ Charter of Democracy — A Ray of Hope?
In 2006, Bhutto and Nawaz signed the Charter of Democracy to end this cycle. But it didn’t last:
2017: Nawaz Sharif disqualified on a technicality (Panama Leaks)
Post-2008: Political engineering continued via scandals like Memogate
Ironically, Nawaz Sharif, once a beneficiary of anti-democratic tactics, later became its loudest critic with his slogan:
“Vote Ko Izzat Do” (Respect the Vote)
Was this redemption — or just political survival?
🧠 Lessons of August 6 — Remember, Resist, Reclaim
The true meaning of August 6 is not political rivalry, but a reminder that:
“Democracy is not a gift — it is earned through struggle, sacrifice, and constant vigilance.”
Unfortunately, today, no political party commemorates this day, not even PPP, the most affected.
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