of Ayub khan
Ayub Khan, also known as Mohammed Ayub Khan, was the second President of Pakistan from 1958 to 1969 He was a four-star general and served as Chief of Army Staff from 1951 to 1958 His military rule, termed the "decade of development," is widely credited with modernizing the country and establishing economic reforms. During his tenure, Ayub Khan also introduced a number of social and cultural reforms that had a lasting impact on the country.
Ayub Khan's rise to power began in 1951 when he was appointed the Chief of Army Staff. His main task was to modernize and professionalize the Pakistani army, and he largely achieved this goal. He also successfully negotiated the Indus Waters Treaty, allowing the two countries to share water resources equitably. Toward the end of his tenure as army chief, Ayub Khan was increasingly seen as the de facto leader of the country and was offered the presidency in 1958, which he accepted.
As President, Ayub Khan introduced a number of economic and social reforms. He aimed to implement an economic policy that would promote a modern, industrialized economy by focusing on agricultural reform, industrialization, infrastructure development, and fiscal reform. He also established the first National Investment Council, which was charged with developing a strategy for investment in the country. Additionally, he focused on improving education and enfranchising women, allowing them to vote and participate in political life.
Under Ayub Khan's rule, the economy gradually improved, with GDP growing 5.1% annually, unemployment and illiteracy declining, and foreign exchange reserves quadrupling. He was also credited with introducing a period of political stability in the country.
Below are five of the most notable examples of Ayub Khan's rule:
1. The Indus Waters Treaty: Ayub Khan was instrumental in negotiating the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, which established the legal framework for the equitable sharing of water resources between the two countries.
2. The Fiscal Reforms: Ayub Khan implemented significant fiscal reforms and established the first National Investment Council to develop a strategy for investment in the country.
3. Industrialization: As part of his plan for a modern, industrialized economy, Ayub Khan implemented policies aimed at industrialization, such as the establishment of nationalized industries, the Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation.
4. The Decade of Development: The period of Ayub Khan's rule is widely referred to as the "Decade of Development," during which the economy improved significantly and the country experienced a degree of political stability.
5. Women's Emancipation: Ayub Khan's reforms also included a focus on improving education and enfranchising women, allowing them to vote and participate in political life.