Pakistan Under Martial Law Again

Martial law and suspension of individual rights is not a new occurrence to the troubled land known as Pakistan.

Controlling powers have often had their way with the modern and ancient peoples of Pakistan.

Pakistan is an ancient land that traces its beginnings to 3000 BC. Modern day Pakistan is in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent. Over the centuries the land had been home to various civilizations that have left their mark.

The Indus valley civilization ceased to exist about 1500 B.C., with the onslaught of the Aryans. The Indus epoch was apparently one of great accomplishments, as archaeological findings of the last century reveal an urban environment of well planned towns. This people also had evidence of having as their god, Shiva, a main deity in the HIndu religion.

Then there was the Persian influence,the Aryan nomadic tribes, and eventually invasion and control by Alexander the Great.

The land has changed ownership and influence many times.

The modern history of Pakistan can be traced back to the All- India Muslim League, formed in 1906, to advocate for rights and privileges for those of the Muslim faith through India.

Independence for Pakistan came on August 14, 1947, when the British finally ceded power to popular elections and referendum.

The Hindu majority claimed an area now known as India, and the Muslim minority, Pakistan.

Over the years the two countries would fight three wars over various regions, such 1965's war for Kashmir. In all Pakistan fought three wars with India.

Even within Pakistan itself there was strife and conflict, which led to a civil war in the 1970's. East Pakistan broke from the rest of the country and became the nation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan's economy, under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, took a heavy socialist turn, with nationalization of banks and land reforms. This got the ire of both the entrepreneurs and the Muslims, the latter which viewed socialism as an enemy of god. This eventually led to a coup in 1977, and the hanging of Bhutto.