Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (5 January 1928 – 4 April 1979) was a Pakistani politician who served as the fourth president of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973 and later as the ninth prime minister of Pakistan from 1973 until his overthrow in 1977. He was the founder and first chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Born in Sindh and educated at the University of Southern California, University of California, Berkeley and the University of Oxford, Bhutto trained as a lawyer before entering politics. He held several important government positions and became foreign minister in 1963. He founded the PPP in 1967 with a focus on left-wing and socialist ideas.

After a difficult time for Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh, Bhutto became president in 1971. He worked to improve relations with other countries, supported the country's nuclear program, and helped create Pakistan’s current constitution in 1973. Although he won elections in 1977, his government was taken over by the military.

Today, Bhutto is remembered as an important leader in Pakistan’s democratic history. His party remains influential, and his daughter Benazir Bhutto later served as prime minister.

Early life and education

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came from a Sindhi family. His family history goes back many years, with roots in a Rajput prince from the Bhati clan who lived in a town called Tanot in what is now Rajasthan, India. His family later moved to Sindh and became Muslims.

Bhutto was born to Shah Nawaz Bhutto and Khursheed Begum near Larkana. His father was an important leader in the princely state of Junagadh during the time of the British Raj. His mother, originally named Lakhi Bai, came from a Hindu family and became Muslim when she married Shah Nawaz. Bhutto went to school in Bombay and later became involved in the movement to create Pakistan.

He studied political science at the University of Southern California and then moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree. He later studied law at Christ Church, Oxford and became a lawyer. Bhutto also taught international law at the University of Southampton and was trained as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn.

Political career

In 1957, Bhutto became the youngest member of Pakistan's team at the United Nations. He spoke about important issues there and later led Pakistan's team at a big meeting about sea laws in 1958. That same year, he became a young minister in charge of trade and commerce.

Bhutto became Pakistan's foreign minister in 1963. He believed strongly in being friendly with China, even when others did not. He helped make agreements between Pakistan and China for trade and defense. Bhutto also worked to make Pakistan more independent in its foreign policies, not just following the United States. He visited many countries to build relationships and support Pakistan's place in the world.

Creation of the Pakistan People's Party

After leaving his job as a foreign minister, many people gathered to hear Zulfikar Ali Bhutto speak when he arrived in Lahore on June 21, 1967. Bhutto traveled around Pakistan giving speeches and sharing his ideas. In October 1966, he described the beliefs of his new party: "Islam is our faith, democracy is our policy, socialism is our economy. All power to the people."

On November 30, 1967, Bhutto and some friends founded the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Lahore. The party grew quickly in Punjab, Sindh, and among the Muhajirs. Mubashir Hassan, a teacher, helped the party become successful. The PPP joined other groups working for democracy in Pakistan. They held big protests and strikes to push for change.

After General Yahya Khan took over, he promised elections for December 7, 1970. Under Bhutto’s leadership, many different groups joined together for the first time. Bhutto’s party worked hard to get support from people in West Pakistan. But another party, the Awami League, won more votes. Bhutto did not agree with their plans and threatened those in his party who might support them.

When talks between Bhutto and the leader of the Awami League broke down, the army took action against people in East Pakistan. Bhutto criticized the way the situation was handled and was arrested. Later, after much conflict, East Pakistan became independent as Bangladesh, and Bhutto became the new president of Pakistan. For the first time, leftists and democratic socialists had a chance to lead the country with support from many people.

Leader of Pakistan (1971–1977)

Presidency (1971-1973)

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto returned to Pakistan in December 1971 after meeting with world leaders about the crisis in East Pakistan. He became president and took charge of a country that felt isolated and upset. As president, Bhutto worked to bring the country together and made many changes to improve Pakistan’s economy and education.

Bhutto focused on building up Pakistan’s nuclear program, believing it was important for the country’s security. He also worked to improve relations with other countries, especially China and Arab nations. His government made big changes to the economy, including taking control of big industries and banks to help workers and reduce inequality.

Prime Minister (1973-1977)

In 1973, Bhutto became prime minister and continued his efforts to improve Pakistan. He helped create a new constitution and made many reforms in education, land use, and labor laws. Bhutto also worked to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign relations, especially with China and the Arab world.

Bhutto’s time in office was marked by efforts to make Pakistan more independent and strong. He faced many challenges, including conflicts in Balochistan and pressure from other countries over Pakistan’s nuclear program. Despite these difficulties, Bhutto remained committed to building a better future for Pakistan.

Downfall and overthrow

Popular unrest

Main article: Hyderabad tribunal

Further information: Federal Security Force

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto faced growing criticism and unpopularity during his time in power. He initially focused on opposition leader Abdul Wali Khan and his National Awami Party, but tensions grew between different groups. The government took action against the NAP in Balochistan, leading to arrests and changes in leadership.

Over time, many of Bhutto's original supporters left due to disagreements or other reasons. Political tensions increased, and there were accusations of serious actions by the government. In early 1977, opposition groups formed a coalition against Bhutto's government. Despite calls for new elections, disputes arose over the results, and accusations of unfair practices led to further unrest.

Military coup

See also: Operation Fair Play

In July 1977, despite efforts to negotiate, a military coup took place. General Zia-ul-Haq took control, declaring martial law and suspending the constitution. Bhutto was arrested, and many of his supporters faced similar fates. Although released briefly, Bhutto was arrested again and faced ongoing political challenges.

Trial and execution

General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq took control of Pakistan in July 1977, removing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto from power. Bhutto was arrested and charged with approving a serious crime in 1974. Many believed the charges were unfair.

Bhutto faced a quick trial that lasted several months. In March 1978, he was found guilty and given the worst possible punishment. Efforts to change this decision went on for many months, but in February 1979, the highest court in Pakistan agreed with the decision. Sadly, Bhutto was executed in April 1979. During his time in jail, his family and leaders from around the world worked hard to try to save him.

Many years later, in 2024, Pakistan’s highest court said Bhutto did not have a fair trial.

Personal life

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto married Shireen Amir Begum in 1943, but they later separated. He then married Nusrat Ispahani, known as Begum Nusrat Bhutto, on September 8, 1951. She was of Iranian Kurdish origin and they lived in Karachi. Together, they had four children: Benazir, born in 1953, Murtaza in 1954, Sanam in 1957, and Shahnawaz in 1958.

Reception and legacy

See also: Category:Cultural depictions of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is remembered as a complicated leader in Pakistan. Some people praise him for his strong support of the country, while others criticize him for treating political opponents harshly. When he took control in 1971, Pakistan was struggling after a difficult civil war. Some say his economic policies caused problems, but he believed he was trying to make things fairer.

Around the world, Bhutto is seen as someone who believed in working with other countries. Even though many in Pakistan had mixed feelings about him, he is often considered one of the country’s most liked leaders. He helped bring different groups together to create Pakistan’s constitution in 1973 and worked toward building nuclear weapons, which earned him the title of the father of Pakistan’s nuclear program.

Though many argue about his legacy, Bhutto is still widely respected in Pakistan. His family stayed involved in politics, and sadly, some of them faced tragic ends. Despite the criticism, Bhutto remains an important symbol in Pakistan’s history, influencing many areas of public life. Today, his family continues in politics, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari serving as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan from April 2022 to August 2023.

Honours

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was honored by Pakistan after his death. In March 2025, he was given the highest award called the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Pakistan.

Eponyms

Several places and schools remember Bhutto’s work:

• Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, in Karachi, Sindh.
• ZA Bhutto Agricultural College, in Larkana, Sindh.
• Zulfiqarabad, a city being built in Larkana District, named for Bhutto.

Books

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto wrote many books about politics and history. Some of his famous works include The Myth of Independence and The Third World: New Directions. He also shared his thoughts through speeches and articles collected in books like Marching Towards Democracy and Politics of the People. Other books such as My Pakistan and If I Am Assassinated reflect his views on Pakistan and his own experiences.