This video report, covering 2008 elections, is part of a series about history of Pakistan elections since 1970
The 2008 elections marked a crucial period in Pakistan’s political landscape, unfolding against the backdrop of General Pervez Musharraf’s imposition of emergency in November 2007 and the assassination of Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in December of the same year.
The nation was already witnessing protests against Musharraf’s military rule, leading to his resignation from the position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on November 28, 2007.
Mohtarma Bhutto’s return to Pakistan on October 18, 2007, following years of exile, and Nawaz Sharif’s subsequent homecoming intensified the political scene in the country.
All political parties were actively engaged in campaigning for the 2007 polls when a devastating event unfolded. On December 27, 2007, Mohtarma Bhutto was fatally wounded in a terrorist attack as she was leaving after addressing a public gathering in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh.
The tide of violence that ensued led to the postponement of the January 2008 polls, which were later rescheduled for February 18, 2008.
In these elections, the PPP secured a majority, winning 89 seats, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in second with 68 seats, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) obtained 42, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) bagged 19 seats. The PML-N succeeded in Punjab, the PPP in Sindh, the ANP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and PML-Q in Balochistan.
The overall turnout was 44.55%, with 80,724,153 registered voters. Punjab recorded a 48% turnout, Sindh 45%, KP 33%, and Balochistan 30%.
Following the elections, the PPP formed a coalition government with the PML-N, and Yousuf Raza Gillani became the Prime Minister. However, this coalition faced challenges, leading to PML-N’s departure from the government after a few days, initiating the lawyer’s movement.
Subsequently, Asif Ali Zardari was elected the President of Pakistan. Notably, this PPP government achieved a historic milestone, becoming Pakistan’s first elected government to complete its five-year tenure.
The writer is a staffer at Geo.tv, he tweets X@ranashaharyar01
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