M.Mohsin
Introduction**
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (January 5, 1928 April 4, 1979) was the ninth Prime Minister of Pakistan and the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He was a popular public leader whose politics left a profound impact on Pakistan’s history. Known as a progressive and secular-minded leader, his tenure in power and subsequent execution remain one of the most controversial political events in Pakistani history.
Early Life and Political Journey۔
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto belonged to an influential political family from Sindh. He received his education abroad, studying law at the University of California and Oxford University. In 1958, he joined President Ayub Khan’s cabinet and later rose to the position of Foreign Minister.
After the 1965 war, he resigned in protest against the Tashkent Agreement, gaining public recognition for his stance.
Founding of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Popularity.
In 1967, Bhutto founded the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), with the slogan “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” (Bread, Clothing, and Shelter). The party advocated socialist policies and public rights. In the 1970 elections, the PPP won in West Pakistan, but Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League secured a majority in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Following a political crisis and military intervention, Pakistan was divided in 1971.
Tenure as Prime Minister (1971–1977).
After 1971, Bhutto became Pakistan’s first democratically elected Prime Minister. His government introduced several key reforms:
The 1973 Constitution Pakistan’s unanimous constitution was passed, which remains in force today.
Nationalization Key industries and banks were nationalized.
Nuclear Program Bhutto launched Pakistan’s nuclear program, famously declaring, *”We will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will have our own nuclear bomb.
Islamic Summit Conference Bhutto promoted unity among Muslim nations.
However, his tenure was also marked by controversies, including political repression, retaliatory actions under the guise of accountability, and tensions with the military.
Military Coup and Removal from Power.
In the 1977 elections, Bhutto’s PPP secured a clear majority, but opposition parties accused the government of rigging. Protests erupted, leading to General Zia-ul-Haq imposing martial law on July 5, 1977, and arresting Bhutto.
Trial, Sentencing, and Execution.
Bhutto was accused of orchestrating the murder of a political opponent, Nawab Muhammad Ahmed Khan Qasuri, in 1974. The Lahore High Court sentenced him to death, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court in a 4–3 split decision. Despite international appeals for clemency, he was hanged in Rawalpindi Jail on April 4, 1979.
His execution is considered a dark chapter in Pakistan’s history. In his final speech, Bhutto declared, “I will die, but my blood will fuel the people’s movement in Pakistan.
Political Legacy.
After Bhutto’s death, the PPP, under his daughter Benazir Bhutto’s leadership, became a mass movement.
His policies, particularly the nuclear program and the 1973 Constitution, left a lasting impact on Pakistan’s political and defense strategies.
Even today, Bhutto is remembered as a people’s leader, though critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies.
Conclusion.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s personality and political career have been both praised and criticized. His execution deeply wounded Pakistan’s democracy, yet his name became synonymous with the struggle for public rights and national sovereignty.
His influence persists in Pakistani politics today, and his famous statement “Every citizen of Pakistan is my child” reflects his populist approach to governance.
