What events ushered in this more restrictive time for women?

The event that changed Pakistan during Malala's father's childhood was the coup and subsequent murdered of Pakistan's Prime Minister, which was led by Zia ul-Haq. Zia was a tyranical dictator, and as a result the United States stopped foreign aid to their country. Zia implemented harsh rules on women, taking away their legal rights and leaving them open to physical abuse.