Instruments of transfer

These 3 letters are the instruments of transfer of power from President Iskander Mirza to General Ayub Khan. The apparent goodwill expressed in these letters is deceptive: President Mirza signed his abdication at gun point. On this issue you may like to see the related links that appear at the bottom of this page.

Instruments of transfer

President Mirza's Declaration
CMLA's Statement
Proclamation by General Khan

1. President Mirza's Declaration

Three weeks ago, I imposed Martial Law in Pakistan and appointed General Mohd Ayub Khan as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and as Chief Martial Law Administrator. By the grace of God this measure which I had adopted in the interest of our beloved country has been extremely well-received by our people and by our friends and well wishers abroad.

Since the imposed Martial Law I have done my best to assist General Ayub Khan and his administration in the difficult task of arresting further deterioration and bringing order out of chaos.

In our efforts to evolve an effective structure for future administration of this country and based on our experience of the last three weeks, I have come to the conclusion that:

Any semblance of dual control is likely to hamper the effective performance of this immense task which is of an emergent nature.

An unfortunate impression exists in the minds of a great many people both at home and abroad that General Ayub Khan and I may not always act in unison. Such an impression, I cannot help feeling, if allowed to continue, would be most damaging to our cause. I have, therefore, decided to step aside and hand over all powers to General Ayub Khan.

I wish General Ayub Khan and his colleagues the best of luck.

Pakistan Paindabad

President of Pakistan
Karachi
27^th October 1958

2 Chief Martial Law Administrator's Statement

You are all well aware of the declaration by General Iskander Mirza. The decision contained in that declaration was taken in the larger interests of our country.

I would like to emphasize that this change would in no way affect my policies which I gave out to the nation in my radio broadcast of 8^th October and in other statements made by me from time to time.

As you know, the machinery for carrying out the administration of the country for the immediate future has already been evolved and would start functioning shortly.

Let us now resolve to face the tasks ahead of us as a nation and get down to solid and honest hard work without indulging in any speculation and let us pray to Almighty God to give us strength and guidance.

Pakistan Paindabad

Chief Martial Law Administrator and Supreme Commander
Karachi
27 October 1958

3 Proclamation by General Mohd Ayub Khan

Whereas by his declaration made at ten o' clock this night of the twenty-seventh day of October 1958 Major General Iskander Mirza, lately President of Pakistan, has relinquished his office of President and has handed over all powers to me, General Mohammad Ayub Khan, Chief Martial Law Administrator and Supreme Commander of the Armed forces of Pakistan.

Now, therefore, I have, this same night of the twenty-seventh day of October 1958 forthwith assumed the said office of President and have taken upon myself the exercise of the said powers and all other powers enabling me in that behalf.

President of Pakistan
(M. Ayub Khan)
Karachi
27^th October 1958

Source: Humayun Mirza From Plassey to Pakistan - the family history of Iskander Mirza, the first President of Pakistan. Ferozsons, 2000 Lahore (Pakistan)

Search the Republic of Rumi