The 1956 Constitution was a monumental document, being Pakistan's first indigenous constitution, which established the country as an Islamic Republic. Despite its significance, it faced immense challenges due to political infighting, frequent changes in government, and a general state of instability in the nascent nation. This led to its eventual abrogation, marking a critical turning point in Pakistan's political history.
The correct answer is Sikandar Mirza. On October 7, 1958, President Iskander Mirza (Sikandar Mirza) abrogated the 1956 Constitution. He dissolved the National and Provincial Assemblies, dismissed the federal and provincial cabinets, and declared martial law across the country. He justified these actions by citing the prevailing political chaos, corruption, and the inability of parliamentary democracy to function effectively.
- Ayub Khan was appointed as the Chief Martial Law Administrator by Sikandar Mirza immediately after the abrogation. While Ayub Khan later consolidated power and became President, it was Mirza who initially abrogated the constitution. Ayub Khan subsequently introduced the 1962 Constitution.
- Yahya Khan abrogated the 1962 Constitution in 1969, not the 1956 one.
- None of these is incorrect as Sikandar Mirza was the individual who abrogated the 1956 Constitution.