calling a spade a spade is not a bad thing that will hurt the examiner's feeling.
Regarding Zia's policies, everyone in/out of Pakistan lambaste Zia's policies that has made Pakistan a nursery of extremist and terrorist .
At that time, Pakistan wanted to pursue a Bhutto led nuclear program so Zia made a concurrence with the USA . In a quid pro quo , Pak peacefully built the nuclear while helped USA to fight with Soviets in Afg.
so, i think first criticizing the bhutto, who declared Ahmedi as non-muslim and shuttering the liberal touch of Pakistan, then Zia , who deem himself as Mard-e-momin and further banned women's liberation + incarcerated politicians +establishment of sharia courts etc to strengthen his rule got a nod from the USA as they wanted a mullahs to wage their war against red army.