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August 6: The Silent Scream of Democracy — Fall of Benazir Bhutto's Government

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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