Ayub Khan, Muhammad (1907–1974)

Pakistani soldier and president 1958–69. He served in the Burma Campaign 1942–45, and was commander-in-chief of the Pakistan army in 1951. In 1958 Ayub Khan assumed power after a bloodless army coup. He won the presidential elections in 1960 and 1965, and established a stable economy and achieved limited land reforms. His militaristic form of government was unpopular, particularly with the Bengalis. He resigned in 1969 after widespread opposition and civil disorder, notably in Kashmir.