In 1965, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, at the UN General Assembly and with atomic scientist Aziz Ahmed present, declared Pakistan's determination to develop a nuclear capability if India did so, even at great economic cost. This led to expanded nuclear infrastructure with international collaborations. However, Bhutto's disagreement with the Tashkent Agreement in 1966 led to his dismissal by President Ayub Khan, sparking mass public demonstrations and strikes.

Ayub Khan's “Decade of Development” in 1968 faced opposition, with leftist students labeling it a “Decade of Decadence",^[20] criticizing his policies for fostering crony capitalism and ethnic-nationalist suppression. Economic disparities between West and East Pakistan fueled Bengali nationalism, with the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, demanding autonomy. The rise of socialism and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), founded by Bhutto, further challenged Khan’s regime.

In 1967, the PPP capitalized on public discontent, leading major labor strikes. Despite repression, a widespread movement emerged in 1968, weakening Khan's position; it is known as 1968 movement in Pakistan.^[21] The Agartala Case, which involved arresting Awami League leaders, was withdrawn following uprisings in East Pakistan. Facing pressure from the PPP, public unrest, and declining health, Khan resigned in 1969, handing over power to General Yahya Khan, who then imposed martial law.