The Problem of Institutionalization of Political Power in Pakistan: An Appraisal of the Bhutto Period (1971-1977)

Abstract

During most of its political and constitutional history, Pakistan has been governed in arbitrary and autocratic style either under Martial Law or by the civilians, invariably executive-dominated like the British vice-regal system. As logic would go, the institutions either could not evolve on their own merit or were not let to function in an adequate and appropriate manner; hence could not prove to be self-sustaining and preserving. The personalization of power short of legitimacy and participation caused instability which provided justification for military intervention as well as domination of the system by the civil bureaucracy. Some political analysts, intellectuals and intelligentsia believe that the East Pakistan Crisis was caused by the absence or at the best malfunctioning of the institutions, hence it was expected that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto having commendable popular support and appeal would set the things in their right direction. He was assessed to have capability for structuring viable and self-sustaining institutions hence would set the pattern for the future. This study investigates whether or not the political power was institutionalized during the Bhutto period.