Forced Modernization and Public Policy: A Case Study of Ayub Khan Era (1958-69)

Abstract

The decade of 1960s in Pakistan witnessed modernization under General Ayub Khan, who passionately believed in the progressive-liberal and modernist version of Islam. His broad-mindedness and liberalism towards Islam was explicitly manifested in the official Islamic policy pursued during the first half of his regime from 1958 to 1965 when he governed the country in an authoritarian manner. During these years, the modernization program was implemented through public policies aimed at bringing about a progressive change in the constitutional, legal and social spheres of the country. It was, however, forced as well as highly selective and authoritarian in nature. The military regime pushed its modernization agenda despite opposition and resentment from many sections of the society. Nonetheless, the second half of the regime 1965-69, which was ‘quasi-authoritarian in nature’, saw a reversal of his official policy towards Islam, since his popularity was undermined, and he needed popular support for his regime. The present article explores the modernization measures undertaken during the regime of Ayub Khan, and analyzes the shift in the official Islamic policy in the country.