First Benazir Bhutto Government | |
---|---|
![]() 29th Cabinet of Pakistan | |
![]() | |
Date formed | 2 December 1988 |
Date dissolved | 6 August 1990 |
People and organisations | |
Head of state | Ghulam Ishaq Khan |
Head of government | Benazir Bhutto |
Total no. of members | 58 |
Member party | Pakistan People's Party |
Status in legislature | Minority (Plurality) |
Opposition party | Islami Jamhoori Ittehad |
Opposition leader | Nawaz Sharif |
History | |
Election | 1988 general elections |
Outgoing election | 1990 general elections |
Outgoing formation | Jatoi caretaker government |
Predecessor | Zia government |
Successor | First Nawaz Sharif government |
![]() |
---|
![]() |
| ||
---|---|---|
Elections Prime Minister of Pakistan
Gallery: Picture, Sound, Video |
||
The first Benazir Bhutto government was formed on 2 December 1988[1] following general elections held in 1988. Due to the PPP only securing a plurality, the new government forged a coalition alliance with the MQM, ANP, JUI(FR) and other additional independents.[2]: 398 Following elections President Ghulam Ishaq Khan called upon Benazir Bhutto, later announcing the formation of a new government.[3]: 211 Benazir promised while taking oath on 2 December to eradicate illiteracy, poverty, restore student unions, liberate political prisoners, provide equal rights to women and free the media. However, the Army's continued influence and lack of a legislative majority led to her later declaring her government's freedom of action was "institutionally, economically, politically (and) structurally" constrained.[4]: 298 Later during Presidential elections the same year, Benazir Bhutto solidified her alliance with President Ishaq Khan through supporting his bid for re-election.[2]: 398 However later the two came into conflict, over the division of powers between the two offices and as the President continued to support Bhutto's opponent Nawaz Sharif.[2]: 401–402 Eventually on 6 August 1990 Ghulam Ishaq Khan issued an order under Article 58(2)(b) dissolving the National Assembly causing the Prime Minister and the cabinet to cease holding office. The stated charges of dismissal for the Bhutto government were corruption and the deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh.[2]: 402–403