Britannica
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Which years did military governments rule Pakistan?
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Throughout its history, Pakistan has experienced several periods of military administration, which have collectively spanned roughly half of the country's existence. These periods of military rule include:1
- 1958–1969: Following years of political turmoil, President Iskander Mirza abrogated the constitution and appointed General Mohammad Ayub Khan as chief martial law administrator; Ayub Khan subsequently declared himself president.21
- 1969–1971: General Yahya Khan succeeded Ayub Khan as president and chief administrator of martial law following the latter's resignation.31
- 1977–1988: Following the arrest of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the dissolution of his government, General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq took control of the government and imposed martial law, which remained in effect until 1985.415
- 1999–2008: Following a coup d'état that ousted the government of Nawaz Sharif, General Pervez Musharraf assumed power, initially styling himself as chief executive before later becoming president.617