Pakistan has alternated between eras of civilian rule and decades under the control of its powerful military.

For just over half of its 64 years of independence, Pakistan has been ruled by its powerful military. Democratically elected governments have struggled to complete their terms, being alternately dismissed by presidents or removed from power by army chiefs.

Indeed, only one parliament has ever completed its five-year term – and it was headed by General Pervez Musharraf, a military dictator, as both president and army chief.

Al Jazeera traces through Pakistan’s complex political history in this interactive timeline.

The periods in orange represent civilian rule, and in blue represent military rule. The black markers represent key events. Hover over them for more information.

1947-1958 1958-1971 1971-1977 1977-1988 1988-1999 1999-2008 2008-2012