The National Awami Party(NAP)was banned, and many of its leading members were arrested following the murder of the NWFP's most senior minister, Hayat Mohammed Sherpao. Although boycotted by opposition parties, the National Assembly adopted a constitution bill empowering the government to extend the state of emergency beyond six months without parliamentary approval. The bill designated a Third Pakistan, or “New” Pakistan. Elections confirmed Bhutto as leader.
The National Democratic Party(NDP) was launched, with Sherbaz Khan Mazari, leader of the Independent Group in the National Assembly, as leader. It claimed the adherence of most former NAP leaders.
