Field Marshal Ayub Khan served as the second president of Pakistan from 1958 until his resignation in 1969, having first seized power through a military coup. Born in 1907 in Rehana, he rose to become the first native commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951, marking a significant transition in the nation's post-independence military leadership.
Early Military Career
Educated at Aligarh Muslim University and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Ayub Khan was commissioned into the British Indian Army in 1928. He served with the 14th Punjab Regiment and saw active duty during the Second World War, specifically participating in the Burma Campaign. Following the 1947 partition of British India, he transitioned to the Pakistan Army, quickly ascending the ranks to become a major-general.
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Appointed as the first native commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951, he held this role for seven years. During this period, he concurrently served as Federal Minister for Defence and Minister for the Interior. In October 1958, he supported President Iskander Mirza’s martial law declaration before executing a coup d'état three weeks later to assume the presidency himself.
Economic and Foreign Policy
His presidency was characterized by the promotion of laissez-faire economic policies and industrial privatization, leading to a period of rapid growth often described as a decade of development. Under his administration, Pakistan established its space program and completed major infrastructure projects, including dams and hydroelectric stations. Internationally, he aligned Pakistan with the United States, providing access to air bases while simultaneously strengthening diplomatic ties with China.
Conflict and Resignation
Tensions with India escalated into full-scale war in 1965 following the launch of Operation Gibraltar, which concluded in a stalemate and the Tashkent Declaration. While he won re-election in 1965 against Fatima Jinnah, his administration faced mounting domestic instability. Widespread protests and strikes led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, exacerbated by public disapproval of food price increases, forced his resignation on 25 March 1969.
Fast facts
- Born: 1907, Rehana
- Died: 1974, Rawalpindi
- Military Rank: Field Marshal
- Presidential Term: 1958-1969
- Education: Royal Military College, Sandhurst
- Religion: Shia Islam
Questions readers ask
What was Ayub Khan's role in the 1965 war?
He authorized Operation Gibraltar against India, which resulted in a stalemate and the subsequent Tashkent Declaration.
How did his presidency conclude?
Following mass protests and economic dissatisfaction in 1969, he resigned from office and appointed General Yahya Khan as his successor.
