The military coup in Pakistan on October 7, 1958, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Prior to the coup, Pakistan experienced significant political instability characterized by frequent changes in leadership, corruption, and ineffective governance. President Iskander Mirza, who had been in office since 1956, struggled to maintain control amidst growing dissent and chaos in the political arena. In a dramatic turn of events, he declared martial law, citing the inability of democratic institutions to govern effectively as the primary reason for this drastic step.

Alongside the declaration of martial law, Mirza appointed General Muhammad Ayub Khan as the Chief Martial Law Administrator. Moments later, Ayub Khan effectively ousted Mirza himself, taking control of the presidency. This dual power transition not only marked the rise of Ayub Khan but also initiated a long period of military rule in Pakistan. Under Ayub Khan's administration, various economic reforms were implemented, including land reforms and industrialization policies, but political dissent was heavily suppressed.

The coup had far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political fabric. By setting a precedent for military intervention in politics, it established a cycle of military coups that would recur in the decades to come. The centralization of power under military rule diminished democratic processes and often sidelined civil rights. Ayub Khan’s regime also impacted foreign relations, aligning Pakistan closer with the United States during the Cold War era. The implications of this transition would resonate through successive Pakistani governments and remain a significant aspect of its political history.