Pakistan Affairs
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This is correct. Ayub Khan did have a modernized vision for Pakistan (personally I am an admirer). However on the foreign policy side, his blunders did not spell well - leading to involvement of Bhutto and Yahya Khan in power (and we all know where that led). But Ayub Khan's economic policies were highly visible in many projects even in East Pakistan. He was no less a reformer than Nehru.
"One of the major milestones of Ayub Khan’s presidency was the promulgation of the Constitution of Pakistan in 1962. The new constitution, while respecting Islam, did not declare it as the state religion and provided for the election of the president by a select group of Basic Democracy under Ayub’s control. Additionally, Ayub Khan introduced the Muslim Family Law Ordinance in 1961, which aimed to reform marriage and divorce laws, reflecting his vision of modernization and progress.
Economically, Ayub Khan’s era is remembered for successful industrialization and rural development, with a strong emphasis on capitalism and foreign direct investment. The “Decade of Development” under his rule saw the establishment of various mega projects and hydroelectric dams, contributing to significant GDP growth. However, despite the economic progress, his policies led to a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few influential families, raising concerns about income inequality."
This was the case with Nehru's license Raj as well, his friends (people like Jumnalal Bajaj, Raghunandan Saran of Ashok Motors and business families like the Hindujas) all benefitted from friendships with Nehru.
These are a few of Ayub Khan Saab's projects in East Pakistan that comes to mind. Which were five/six decades ahead of their time.
1. Dhaka Int'l Airport (currently known as Hazrat Shahjalal Int'l Airport) was started in 1966, the new 3rd terminal in the forefront was added recently. "Aeroports de France" was the main contractor in 1966 but this continued after 1971 by the Bangladesh govt.
2.National Parliament House, Dhaka, Bangladesh designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn: One of the Largest Legislative Complexes globally. Project started in 1961.
3. Kaptai Dam and hydroelectric project (construction started in 1957 and completed in 1962)
4. Khulna Shipyard was founded in 1957 as a German-designed shipyard where most of Bangladesh' advanced semi-stealth LPCs are made and fitted for sensors now (Frigate construction are planned at some point). The shipyard has the capacity to build steel / aluminum ships up to 90 m length and 5000 DWT. It is the primary contractor for all govt. specialized vessels such as Submarine and Buoy tenders, ASW patrol craft, High Bollard power Fleet coastal tugs, Hydrographic survey vessels, Inshore and Offshore patrol vessels, dredgers and self-propelled floating cranes of various capacities. It is one of the three largest shipbuilding yards in Bangladesh.
So - Ayub Khan as a visionary did his level best for Pakistan and Pakistanyat. I hope Imran Khan hopefully does the same.
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