Correct Answer:
C. Ayub Khan
The Basic Democracies System was a unique four-tier system of local self-government introduced in Pakistan. It aimed to decentralize administration and involve local populations in governance, albeit under a controlled structure, and served as an electoral college for higher offices.
Field Marshal Ayub Khan, who seized power in 1958, introduced the Basic Democracies Order in 1959. This system created a hierarchy of councils, starting from Union Councils at the lowest level. The members of these councils, known as Basic Democrats, formed the electoral college for presidential elections and national assemblies during his regime, consolidating his power.
- Quaid-e-Azam (Muhammad Ali Jinnah) is incorrect; he died in 1948, long before Ayub Khan's era.
- Z. A. Bhutto is incorrect; he came to power after Ayub Khan and abolished the Basic Democracies system.
- Zia-ul-Haq is incorrect; he imposed martial law much later in 1977 and introduced different local government systems.