Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan today observes the 47th death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto was executed on April 4, 1979, in Rawalpindi after being convicted in a controversial trial. The Supreme Court in March 2024 ruled that Bhutto’s trial was not fair.
Born on January 5, 1928, in Larkana, Bhutto studied law at California and Oxford before entering Pakistani politics. He served as Foreign Minister under General Ayub Khan in 1963, later founding the PPP on November 30, 1967, after ideological disagreements with the government.
Bhutto held office as Pakistan’s President from 1971 to 1973 and as Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. He played a central role in establishing Pakistan’s nuclear program, enacting the 1973 constitution, and elevating Pakistan’s position on regional and international forums. His policies also sought to unite Islamic countries against Western domination.
Bhutto’s government was overthrown in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, leading to his execution despite global criticism. His political legacy and ideological contributions continue to resonate within Pakistan and abroad.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement on Bhutto’s anniversary, said the former leader played a central role in restoring national confidence after the challenging post-1971 era. He highlighted the 1973 constitution as one of the most enduring achievements of Bhutto’s tenure, noting the foundations laid for strategic national policies and institutions.
