ISLAMABAD: The first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s 94th birth anniversary is being celebrated today, a man who holds an important place in the history of the country due to his unique style, political savvy, and thoughtful discourse.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was born on January 5, 1928, in Larkana to Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto. He studied political science at the University of Berkeley and also taught at the Muslim Law College.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto also practiced law in the Sindh High Court for some time. He later emerged as a leading figure in domestic politics. During the reign of Sikandar Mirza, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became part of the federal cabinet and understood the affairs of the country.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto held important positions in the cabinet of President Ayub Khan, including the Federal Minister of Commerce, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and the most important and prestigious Foreign Minister, which shows the political stature of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Read more: In pictures: Remembering Z.A. Bhutto – Charismatic leader who became a legend
Later, in 1967, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto formed the PPP and in the 1970 elections, the present Pakistan which was called West Pakistan, the PPP emerged as a majority party and spread over the political horizon of the country.
The 1970s are of key importance. In 1971, Yahya Khan made Zulfikar Ali Bhutto President during the East Pakistan tragedy, and in 1973, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave Pakistan a new unified constitution which is still in force with amendments.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto later became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He played a key role in facilitating the convening of the Islamic Summit Conference in Pakistan.
Former Army Chief Zia-ul-Haq had imposed martial law in the country to control the law and order situation after allegations of rigging in the 1977 general elections surfaced. In September, Prime Minister-elect Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was arrested.
The following year, the Sindh High Court sentenced Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to death. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal against the decision. Leader of the People Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in Rawalpindi Jail on April 4, 1978, a dark chapter in the country’s history.
