Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Martial Law Lifted in Pakistan
A long time ago, on December 30, 1985, the President of Pakistan, Gen Zia-ul-Haq, announced that the Martial Law, which had been in place for eight and a half years, would be lifted.
This was a big deal because it meant that the country would start to return to normal.
Meanwhile, in India, there was a big celebration for the Congress party's 100th anniversary, but it turned into chaos when too many people tried to get into the venue at the same time.
Also, the new government in Assam had a disagreement with the central government about building a fence and a road along the border with Bangladesh to stop illegal immigrants.
The Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, also spoke in defense of the Emergency that was declared by his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1975, saying it was necessary to keep the country stable.
Gen Zia-ul-Haq announced the lifting of Martial Law in Pakistan after eight and a half years.
The announcement was made at a special joint session of parliament on December 30, 1985.
Congress centenary celebrations in Bombay were disrupted by a stampede at the venue.
The Assam government and the Centre have a disagreement over the construction of a fence and road along the Bangladesh border.
Rajiv Gandhi defended the proclamation of Emergency by Indira Gandhi in 1975 during his presidential address.
- Who
- Gen Zia-ul-Haq, Rajiv Gandhi, Assam government, Centre
- What
- Lifting of Martial Law in Pakistan, stampede at Congress celebrations, Assam-Centre rift
- When
- December 30, 1985
- Where
- Pakistan, Bombay, Assam
- Why
- To restore normalcy in Pakistan, celebrate Congress centenary, address illegal immigration
- Date of Announcement
- December 30, 1985
- Duration of Martial Law
- Eight and a half years
- President of Pakistan
- Gen Zia-ul-Haq
- Event Location
- Bombay, India
- Prime Minister of India
- Rajiv Gandhi
- Issue Between Assam and Centre
- Construction of fence and road along Bangladesh border