Governor-general Ghulam Mohammad, who relishes the trappings of dominance earlier held by Jinnah, asserts his power by declaring martial law in 1953 in Punjab during disturbances involving the Ahmadiyyas.

Nazimuddin attempts to limit the power of the governor-general through amendments to the Government of India Act of 1935-still the basic law for Pakistan, as altered by the India Independence Act of 1947.

Although Nazimuddin has the support of the Constituent Assembly, Ghulam Mohammad unceremoniously dismisses him in April 1953, and Mohammad Ali Bogra, a minor political figure from East Bengal, who had previously been Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, becomes prime minister.

Ayub Khan has meanwhile become a powerful political figure within a short time of his promotion.

Perhaps more than any other Pakistani, Ayub Khan is responsible for seeking and securing military and economic assistance from the United States and for aligning Pakistan with it in international affairs.

Pakistan's foreign policy stance shifts significantly in 1953 when it accepts the United States offer of military and economic assistance in return for membership in an alliance system designed to contain international communism.

When the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower seeks a series of alliances in the "Northern Tier"--Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey--and in East Asia, Pakistan becomes a candidate for membership in each.