Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Martial Law Lifted in Pakistan in 1985
A long time ago, in 1985, Pakistan's leader, President Zia-ul-Haq, ended a special rule called martial law that had been in place for eight years.
He warned that the military might take control again if there were problems.
The Prime Minister, Mohammed Khan Junejo, asked his cabinet members to quit so he could pick new ones.
Some people thought this was to remove those who didn't support his political group.
The opposition group, MRD, didn't think much had changed.
Meanwhile, a spiritual leader named Rajneesh was not allowed to enter Fiji if there were bad reports about him.
President Zia-ul-Haq lifted martial law in Pakistan after eight years but warned of potential military intervention if there were dissensions.
Prime Minister Mohammed Khan Junejo accepted the resignations of the Pakistan Federal Cabinet to form a new team.
Political analysts suggested the cabinet resignations were aimed at removing opposition to Junejo's Muslim League (Pagara Group).
The opposition group, MRD, alleged that the lifting of martial law did not bring substantial changes and people adopted a wait-and-watch approach.
Rajneesh was not allowed to enter Fiji if adverse reports were received about his activities.
- Who
- President Zia-ul-Haq, Prime Minister Mohammed Khan Junejo, Members of the Pakistan Federal Cabinet, Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD)
- What
- Lifting of martial law in Pakistan, Cabinet resignations, Opposition allegations of fraud, Rajneesh's potential entry into Fiji
- When
- December 31, 1985
- Where
- Pakistan, Fiji
- Why
- To enable the Prime Minister to choose a new cabinet team, concerns over political activity restrictions and punishments, potential adverse reports on Rajneesh's activities
- Date
- December 31, 1985
- President
- Zia-ul-Haq
- Duration of Martial Law
- 8 years
- Prime Minister
- Mohammed Khan Junejo
- Opposition Group
- Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD)
- Rajneesh's Status
- Not allowed in Fiji if adverse reports received
- Cabinet Resignations
- Members of the Pakistan Federal Cabinet resigned
- Political Analysts' View
- Move aimed at removing opposition to Junejo's Muslim League (Pagara Group)