Impact of Zia-ul-Haq's Gender Policies on Pakistani Society

Abstract

Zia-ul-Haq is remembered for controversial legislation on women in Pakistani society. His policies were set to impede the socio-economic and political development of Pakistani women. The gender biased legislative and executive measures of the government pursued in that era, restricted public role for women and portrayed a negative image. The regime’s policies determined various trends in society, which were discernable in the past. First, religious scholars were divided into various sects, presenting different interpretations of Zia’s gender-related laws. Secondly, gender policies helped to organize women rights groups, which mobilized civil society through seminars and protests against biased legislation. Thirdly, religion and culture were amalgamated in such a way that it became impossible for common people to distinguish between the two, resulting in the adoption of many gender biased cultural practices, considering them as a part of religion. The controversial nature of Zia’s gender laws can be gauged from the fact that the repeal of these laws has remained a priority for most of the political parties in their manifestos during elections. Women groups also kept on pushing democratically elected governments for its abrogation and amendment.