WEB DESK: Today marks the 46th anniversary of the death of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founding chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and a former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Commemoration ceremonies are taking place across the country, reflecting on the legacy of a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s political history.
The observance started with a recitation of the Holy Quran at Bhutto’s grave in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Following this, floral wreaths will be placed at his mausoleum, and special prayers will be offered in memory of his soul.
A public gathering will also be held at Garhi Khuda Bukhsh, where the PPP chairman and other prominent party leaders are expected to address the attendees, recalling Bhutto’s contributions and the impact of his policies.
Born on January 5, 1928, in Larkana, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto hailed from a notable political family, with his father, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, serving as the dewan of the princely state of Junagadh. Bhutto was educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford, and further trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn.
He began his political career as part of President Iskander Mirza’s cabinet and later held several ministerial positions under President Ayub Khan’s military regime. In 1967, Bhutto founded the Pakistan People’s Party, which quickly rose to prominence.
He served as the fourth President of Pakistan from 1971 until 1973, after which he became the country’s Prime Minister on August 14, 1973, following the approval of a new constitution.
Bhutto’s government won the 1977 parliamentary elections decisively, but his tenure came under scrutiny as opposition parties raised allegations of electoral fraud, leading to widespread unrest. On July 5, 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq staged a bloodless coup that resulted in Bhutto’s removal from power.
Former Prime Minister was controversially tried and sentenced to death in a highly contentious legal process, which culminated in his execution in 1979 for the alleged murder of political opponent Ahmad Raza Khan Kasuri.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto remains a significant and complex figure in Pakistan’s history, remembered for his charismatic leadership and the transformative political landscape he championed. His contributions continue to resonate within the political discourse of the nation today.
