Third Ataur ministry
The Third Ataur ministry was the ninth cabinet formed in East Pakistan, Pakistan's eastern province. It was formed under the leadership of Ataur Rahman Khan of the All-Pakistan Awami League following the fall of the Third Sarkar ministry and two months of governor’s rule, and it lasted for nearly one month, after which it was replaced by the Faruque ministry following another four-year period of another governor’s rule.
Background
On 18 June 1958, the Second Ataur ministry led by the Awami League fell as a result of a no-confidence vote by the opposition parties of the East Pakistan Legislative Assembly, including the Krishak Sramik Party. Consequently, in 20 June, the three-member Third Sarkar ministry was sworn in under the leadership of Abu Hussain Sarkar. However, in the meantime, a no-confidence motion was raised in the assembly against the new cabinet. Eventually, with the support of the National Awami Party, the new cabinet was defeated by 14 votes, leading to its fall. However, according to a report by the provincial governor Sultanuddin Ahmad, the central cabinet imposed governor's rule in East Pakistan until 24 August. After the period of governor's rule ended, in 25 August, governor Ahmad invited Ataur Rahman Khan of the AL to form a new cabinet. As a result, a new cabinet was formed on the same day. As the new Chief Minister, Khan announced to expand the cabinet before 9 September by including members from other parties, including the NAP. The following day, portfolios were distributed among the six members of the cabinet.
Fall
On 7 October 1958, martial law was imposed in Pakistan by order of the interim president Iskander Mirza, as a result of which the provincial cabinet and the provincial assembly were dissolved. Subsequently, on 27 October, Mirza transferred state power to field marshal Ayub Khan. On 6 May 1962, the provincial assembly elections were held, resulting in the election of 155 provincial assembly members. The following day, governor Azam Khan, resigned, with the resignation announced to take effect on 11 May 1962. On 11 May 1962, it was reported that president Khan and the new governor Ghulam Faruque Khan were searching for suitable individuals for a new cabinet and were preparing a proposed list of ministers. Between May and July, the formation of the newly established Faruque ministry for the province was completed.
Members
The cabinet consisted of the following ministers: