Zia-ul-Haq was a military ruler and politician in Pakistan, serving as the country's sixth President from 1978 until his death in 1988. He came to power after a military coup that overthrew Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the then Prime Minister. Zia's regime is known for its implementation of Islamic laws and policies, which significantly influenced Pakistan's legal and social landscape. During his rule, Zia-ul-Haq focused on strengthening the military and promoting conservative Islamic values. His government was marked by political repression, censorship, and the controversial introduction of the Hudood Ordinances, which aimed to enforce Islamic law. Zia's tenure ended when he died in a plane crash in 1988.