Remembering Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, 45 years on

WEB DESK: April 4 marks the 45th death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto served as the fourth president of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973 and later as the ninth prime minister from 1973 to 1977. He established the PPP in 1967 and remained its chairman until his execution.

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Educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and Oxford University, Bhutto entered politics during Iskandar Ali Mirza’s presidency. He held various ministerial positions under Ayub Khan’s rule before becoming Pakistan’s foreign minister in 1963.

Advocating for Operation Gibraltar in Kashmir, Bhutto’s tenure as foreign minister saw heightened tensions with India, leading to the 1965 conflict.

Bhutto contested the 1970 general election. Following the Fall of Dhaka and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Bhutto assumed the presidency of Pakistan. As president, he secured the release of Pakistani prisoners of war from India and reclaimed territory through the Simla Agreement.

Transitioning to the prime minister’s office in 1973, Bhutto played a pivotal role in initiating Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Despite winning the 1977 elections, allegations of vote rigging led to countrywide unrest. Zurfiqar Ali Bhutto was overthrow by Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.

Controversially tried and executed in 1979, Bhutto remains one of Pakistan’s most influential leaders, with his party and descendants continuing his legacy.

On his death anniversary, President Asif Ali Zardari lamented the judicial killing of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing it as a reprehensible “conspiracy” against the “freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Pakistan”.

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Zardari praised Bhutto’s unwavering love for his homeland and his role in rebuilding Pakistan after the fall of Dhaka. He expressed admiration for the resilience of the PPP in upholding Bhutto’s philosophy and mission.

The president stated that the People’s Party is dedicated in fulfilling the aims and objectives of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for Pakistan under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.