Correct Answer:
A. Zia ul Haq
General Zia ul Haq imposed martial law in Pakistan in July 1977, following the overthrow of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He ruled as Chief Martial Law Administrator and later as President for over a decade. The correct answer is Zia ul Haq because he himself lifted martial law on December 30, 1985, while retaining his presidential powers and introducing significant constitutional amendments. This move transitioned Pakistan from direct military rule to a civilian government under his continued presidency.
- Yahya Khan imposed martial law in 1969 and lifted it in 1971.
- Sikandar Mirza was Pakistan's first President but was removed in 1958 and had no role in 1985.
- Pervaiz Musharraf imposed martial law in 1999 and lifted it in 2002.