Elections 2002: Emergence of ‘king’s party’ PML-Q amid Nawaz, Benazir exile | Maqvi News

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This video report, covering 2002 elections, is part of a series about history of Pakistan elections since 1970

On October 12, 1999, General Parvez Musharraf overthrew Nawaz Sharif’s government, declared martial law, and seized power.

As the newly appointed president, General Musharraf announced elections for October 10, 2002. During this period, the leadership of both major political parties, PML-N and PPP, was in exile.

Benazir Bhutto (left) receiving her political rival Nawaz Sharif (right) at her residence in Islamabad on December 3, 2007. — Reuters
Benazir Bhutto (left) receiving her political rival Nawaz Sharif (right) at her residence in Islamabad on December 3, 2007. — Reuters

Simultaneously, a new political entity named the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) emerged. Led by Mian Muhammad Azhar, it featured prominent figures like Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Parvez Elahi. The factionalism within PML-N also prompted several leaders to join PML-Q.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi (left) and Chaudhry Parvez Elahi (right) in this undated photo. —NNI
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi (left) and Chaudhry Parvez Elahi (right) in this undated photo. —NNI

Before the elections, Musharraf, utilising the Legal Framework Order (LFO), prohibited anyone from serving as the prime minister for a third term. Consequently, both Nawaz and Benazir Bhutto withdrew from the race for the PM’s position.

Additionally, Musharraf issued an ordinance, stipulating that individuals ineligible to contest the polls could not hold party chairmanships, leading to the creation of PPP-Parliamentarians under the leadership of Makhdoom Ameen Faheem.

Makhdoom Ameen Faheem (left) and Benazir Bhutto (right) can be seen in this undated photo.—Al Jazeera
Makhdoom Ameen Faheem (left) and Benazir Bhutto (right) can be seen in this undated photo.—Al Jazeera

In the October 10, 2002 polls, PML-Q secured 78 seats, with PPP coming in second with 63 seats in the National Assembly. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a union of religious parties, gained 45 seats, while PML-N and MQM won 15 and 13 seats, respectively.

Leader of MMA, Molana Fazlur Rehman, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Shah Ahmed Noorani and  Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi (Right to Left) in this undated photo.—Archives of Pakistan
Leader of MMA, Molana Fazlur Rehman, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Shah Ahmed Noorani and  Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi (Right to Left) in this undated photo.—Archives of Pakistan 

Following the polls, PML-Q attempted to form a government in alliance with MQM and other smaller parties, but they fell short, reaching only 162 seats. A total of 172 seats were required to establish a government. At that crucial juncture, a forward block of 10 members emerged within PPP-P, enabling PML-Q to form a government. 

Elections 2002: Emergence of kings party PML-Q amid Nawaz, Benazir exile

With the addition of these 10 PPP-P members, PML-Q successfully formed a government and elected Mir Zafarullah Jamali as the Prime Minister, holding on to power by just one seat.

Former President Parvez Musharraf administering oath to Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali on 23 November 2002.— APP
Former President Parvez Musharraf administering oath to Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali on 23 November 2002.— APP

In addition to the central government, PML-Q managed to establish governments in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, MMA formed the government.

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