Another external pressure on Zia in early 1979 is the Islamic revolution in Iran.

Partly in response, Zia extends his own Islamization program.

Islamic criminal are formally enacted as law in February.

Zia decrees the establishment of shariat courts to try cases under Islamic law.

After the Supreme Court review of former president Bhutto's conviction of ordering the murder of political opponents, he is hanged on April 4, 1979.

Suppression of the PPP continues, and at times Bhutto's widow, Nusrat, and his daughter, Benazir, are placed under house arrest or jailed.

Elections for local bodies are held in September 1979 on a nonparty basis.

Many of those elected locally identify themselves as Awami Dost (friends of the people), a designation well known as a synonym for the PPP.

Zia announces national and provincial elections for November 17 and 20, 1979, respectively, but these, too, are canceled.

Many think that the showing of the Awami Dost makes him fear that a substantial number of PPP sympathizers will be elected.

As further restrictions are placed on political activity, parties are also banned.