Bhutto Zulfikar Ali : Pakistan’s 4th President & 9th PM, A Leader Forever Remembered

Zulfikar Ali, founder of the largest political party, a visionary Bhutto leader, empowered Pakistan with democracy, social justice, and nuclear strength. Betrayed by Zia-ul-Haq, he was unjustly executed in 1979. His legacy of resilience and leadership continues to inspire generations, shaping Pakistan’s political landscape.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, known as Bhutto by surname among Sindhis as the traditional way of calling a person by his caste, carried many names that echoed through history. ZA Bhutto in diplomatic circles, Shaheed Bhutto in the hearts of his followers, Quaid-e-Awam as the leader of the masses, and Baba-e-Awam as the voice of the people—each name a testament to his enduring legacy.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto History

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s surname, Bhutto, has deep historical roots tied to his Sindhi Rajput ancestry. The Bhutta family traces its origins to the Bhati Rajput clan, which is said to have ruled over Tanot (now in Rajasthan, India) around the 9th century. Over time, the family of Zulifqar Ali Bhutto converted to Islam, likely around the 17th century, as many Rajput families did during that period due to social and political influences.

The surname “Bhutto” itself became associated with the family as it transitioned from its Hindu Rajput roots to an Islamic identity. It is believed that the Bhutta family, originally from Indian Rajasthan, migrated to Sindhi Larkana, where they eventually adopted the name Bhutto and settled into influential roles in the region.

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s paternal ancestors, particularly his father, Bhutto Shah Nawaz, further cemented the family’s place in Sindhi society through their relationship with the British Raj and his position as the dewan of the princely state of Junagadh. Thus, the surname “Bhutto” became an identity reflecting the family’s Rajput lineage and their evolution into a prominent Muslim family in Sindh, which he carried forward into his political legacy.

آج بھی بھٹو زندہ ہے
تم کتنے بھٹو مارو گے، ہر گھر سے بھٹو نکلے گا

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto date of birth is on January 5, 1928, in home town Larkana Sindhi. He hailed from a feudal class and influential landowning family. His father, Sir Shahnawaz, was a prominent politician and served in various governmental roles. Zulfiqar Bhutto received his early education at Bombay’s Cathedral and John Connon School

And later attended the University of California, Berkeley, where Bhutto Zulfiqar Ali earned a degree in political science. Bhutto Zulfikar Ali then pursued law at Christ Church, University of Oxford, and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London.

Entry into Politics

Barrister Bhutto Zulfikar Ali returned to Pakistan in the early 1950s and started his political career under the guidance of his father. His entry into mainstream politics was facilitated by his appointment as a cabinet minister in the government of President Iskander Mirza in 1958.

However, his real political rise began when Zulfikar Bhutto joined General Ayub Khan’s government in 1958 as Minister of Commerce. Over time, he held several key ministerial positions, including Minister of Fuel, Power, and Natural Resources, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Tenures of Bhutto Zulfikar Ali

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto era was marked by land reforms, industrial nationalization, and nuclear advancements. His leadership reshaped Pakistan’s economy and politics but ended with military intervention and his execution.

Minister of Commerce from 1958 to 1960
Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 1960 to1962
Minister of Fuel, Power, and Natural Resources from 1962 to 1963
Foreign Minister of Pakistan from 1963 to 1966
Chief Martial Law Administrator from December 20, 1971, to April 21, 1972,
President of Pakistan from 20 December 1971 to 13 August 1973
Prime Minister of Pakistan from 14 August 1973 to 5 July 1977

Rise to Prominence

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali gained national and international recognition as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister from 1963 to 1966. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s foreign relations, particularly with China and the Muslim world. He also advocated for a strong stance against India, especially during the 1965 war.

However, his differences with Ayub Khan grew after the signing of the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, which he viewed as a betrayal of Pakistan’s interests. This led to his resignation from Ayub Khan’s cabinet, marking the beginning of his independent political journey.

Founding the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)

On 21 June 1967, after resigning as Foreign Minister, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali addressed massive crowds in Lahore. Speaking passionately against Ayub Khan, he declared, “Islam is our faith, democracy is our policy, socialism is our economy. All power to the people.” This Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s speech galvanized public support, setting the stage for his political movement.

On 30 November 1967, h, alongside key political figures, founded the Pakistan People’s Party at Mubashir Hassan’s residence. The party quickly gained traction across Punjab, Sindh, and among the Muhajirs, leading the charge for democratic change and challenging Ayub’s regime.

The party’s slogan, “روٹی کپڑا اور مکان” (Bread, Clothing, and Shelter), resonated with the masses, particularly the working class and peasants. The PPP adopted a socialist ideology, advocating for land reforms, nationalization of industries, and greater social equity.

1970 General Elections and Civil War

The 1970 general elections were a turning point in Pakistan’s history. The PPP emerged as the dominant party in West Pakistan, while the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Political disagreements between the two parties led to a crisis that ultimately resulted in the Bangladesh Liberation War and the separation of East Pakistan in 1971.

The Fall of East Pakistan

The conflict between East and West Pakistan, which ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, stemmed from years of political and economic discontent. In the 1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory, securing 160 out of 162 seats allocated to East Pakistan in the National Assembly.

This gave them an absolute majority, yet the central government, predominantly controlled by Punjab, refused to hand over power to Mujib. This denial of political power to the majority in East Pakistan was perceived as the continuation of Punjab’s dominance in the country’s political landscape, which had long been a point of contention for other provinces, especially East Pakistan.

Accusations of mismanagement and political neglect by the central government in Islamabad, controlled by Punjab, fueled the unrest. Many in East Pakistan felt economically and politically marginalized, with their voices stifled by the dominance of the Punjabi elite. This tension escalated into demands for autonomy and greater representation, which were met with resistance from the central government.

On 25 March 1971, President Yahya Khan launched Operation Searchlight, a military crackdown to suppress the growing separatist movement. Mujib was arrested, and military atrocities followed. The crackdown led to a full-scale war, which, with Indian intervention, resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. The issue of Punjab’s dominance and its political control remains a source of friction in Pakistan’s internal politics to this day.

After the fall of Dhaka and the resignation of General Yahya Khan, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali took over as President of Pakistan on December 20, 1971. He became Pakistan’s first civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator and later the Prime Minister of Pakistan after the adoption of the 1973 Constitution.

Aftermath of the Creation of Bangladesh

Following the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan was left in a state of deep turmoil and disillusionment. The defeat was not just a military failure but also a psychological blow to the nation, with many questioning the viability of the two-nation theory that had led to Pakistan’s creation.

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali, who assumed leadership as Pakistan’s first civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator, was tasked with unifying the fractured nation and averting further disintegration. His leadership came at a time when several separatist movements were gaining momentum, with Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, and even Punjab-based factions calling for independence.

The Sindhi leaders, influenced by a sense of disenfranchisement, particularly resented the dominance of Punjab in the power structure of the state. Bhutto Zulfikar Ali understood the need to contain these movements and prevent any further splintering of the country. To stabilize Pakistan, Bhutto Zulfiqar Ali took strong steps to suppress rising nationalist sentiments by implementing military and intelligence operations aimed at quelling separatist uprisings.

While addressing these issues, he also worked to placate the sentiments of the provinces, assuring them of their rightful place in Pakistan’s future. His appeal to the masses was clear: the survival of Pakistan was paramount, and the nation needed to rally together to rebuild after the catastrophic loss of East Pakistan.

Through his political acumen, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali managed to divert attention away from further fragmentation and focused on reconstructing a unified Pakistan. By offering reforms and initiating dialogues with various political groups, he sought to foster national unity, despite the challenges posed by rising regional discontent, especially from the Sindhi and Baloch leaders. His ability to centralize power while managing provincial concerns was instrumental in preventing Pakistan’s further disintegration.

Reforms and Achievements by Bhutto Zulfikar Ali

As Prime Minister, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali introduced several progressive reforms, including:

Economic Reforms: Nationalization of key industries, banks, and educational institutions.
Labor Rights: Implementation of labor-friendly policies and minimum wage regulations.
Land Reforms: Redistribution of land to farmers to reduce feudal influence.
Nuclear Program: Laid the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear program, famously stating, “We will eat grass, but we will get the bomb.”
Islamic Socialist Policies: Enforced policies that blended Islamic principles with socialist ideals.
1973 Constitution: Enacted the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), which remains the country’s legal framework to this day.

Pakistan Nuclear Program

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s decision to pursue nuclear weapons for Pakistan was driven by a combination of regional and geopolitical factors, as well as the security needs of the nation. There were several key reasons why Bhutto Zulfikar Ali and his government believed that Pakistan needed to become a nuclear power.

1. The Threat from India’s Nuclear Program

The most immediate and pressing concern that led to Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions was India’s successful nuclear test in May 1974, codenamed Smiling Buddha. This development marked a significant shift in the regional balance of power, as India’s nuclear capability was seen as a direct threat to Pakistan’s security. Bhutto Zulfikar Ali, who was aware of the growing disparity between India’s conventional military strength and Pakistan’s capabilities, believed that Pakistan could no longer afford to remain without a nuclear deterrent.

In his famous statement, “Even if we have to eat grass, we will make a nuclear bomb,” Bhutto Zulfikar Ali underscored the high priority he placed on nuclear weapons as a necessary counter to India’s newfound nuclear capability. He argued that Pakistan’s survival as a sovereign state depended on achieving this deterrent, ensuring that India could not use its nuclear arsenal to intimidate or dominate Pakistan.

2. Geopolitical and Security Concerns

Beyond the Indian threat, Pakistan faced broader geopolitical challenges. his government was aware of the complexities of Cold War politics and the potential for foreign powers to exert pressure on Pakistan. The country was already vulnerable to external intervention, particularly from larger powers with competing interests in the region.

Given the history of tension with India and the broader regional uncertainties, he saw nuclear weapons as a means to secure Pakistan’s position on the world stage. Nuclear capability would ensure that Pakistan could defend its sovereignty and deter any foreign interference. In an era of superpower rivalries, he felt that a nuclear arsenal would provide Pakistan with the security and strategic independence it needed to safeguard its future.

3. Achieving “Minimum Credible Deterrence”

The vision of Bhutto Zulfikar Ali for nuclear weapons was rooted in the concept of “minimum credible deterrence.” Unlike many nuclear-armed nations, Pakistan’s nuclear strategy was never about aggression, but rather about ensuring that the country had enough nuclear capability to deter any attack. Bhutto believed that possessing nuclear weapons would prevent India or any other power from launching a military offensive against Pakistan, knowing that the cost of such an attack would be devastating due to Pakistan’s nuclear retaliation capability.

The idea of credible deterrence was central to Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine. Bhutto Zulfikar Ali and his team understood that nuclear weapons served as a powerful tool to create a balance of power in the region. With the threat of nuclear retaliation, Pakistan could effectively deter India from considering military action, thereby ensuring its national security.

4. National Prestige and Technological Advancement

In addition to the strategic and security factors, Bhutto saw Pakistan’s nuclear program as a means to enhance the country’s prestige. At a time when nuclear powers were viewed as major players in global politics, Bhutto believed that Pakistan’s nuclear status would elevate its standing on the international stage. For Bhutto, nuclear weapons were not only a security necessity but also a symbol of national strength and technological achievement.

The vision of Bhutto Zulfikar Ali extended beyond just defense capabilities. He believed that the development of nuclear technology would spur scientific innovation across other sectors, including energy, industry, and education. By establishing a robust nuclear program, Pakistan could reduce its reliance on foreign aid and technology, paving the way for self-sufficiency in defense and development.

5. Self-Defense and Crisis Management

Lastly, Nuclear policy of Bhutto Zulfikar Ali was driven by a desire to create a reliable means of self-defense. He recognized that nuclear weapons were the ultimate safeguard against existential threats. Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent was designed to prevent any military misadventures by regional powers, especially India, and to ensure that any potential conflict would not endanger the nation’s survival.

In conclusion, Bhutto’s decision to pursue nuclear weapons was shaped by a mixture of security needs, regional competition, and the desire for national pride and independence. The primary driver was the realization that without a nuclear deterrent, Pakistan would be at the mercy of its larger neighbors, especially India. Under the leadership of Bhutto Zulfikar Ali Pakistan transformed into a nuclear-armed state, ensuring its position as a key player in the region while its sovereignty against external threats.

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali holding tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1971 to 1977 was marked by significant reforms aimed at transforming the country’s socio-economic landscape. A key focus of his administration was the agrarian sector, where he implemented comprehensive land, flood, and agricultural reforms to promote equity and enhance productivity.

Land Reforms

In response to the vast disparities in land ownership, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali introduced the Land Reforms Regulation of 1972, which reduced the maximum landholding limits. The new ceilings were set at 150 acres of irrigated land and 300 acres of non-irrigated land, a substantial decrease from the previous limits of 500 acres irrigated and 1,000 acres non-irrigated under Ayub Khan’s regime.

This policy aimed to dismantle the feudal structure by redistributing land to landless peasants, thereby promoting social justice and agricultural efficiency. However, the implementation of these reforms faced challenges, including political opposition and bureaucratic hurdles, which hindered their full success. Despite these obstacles, the reforms represented a significant shift towards a more equitable agrarian system.

Following the announcement of land reforms, feudal lords in Sindh, including his family, registered lands under tenant farmers’ names. However, they retained control by transferring properties among family members, such as sons and wives, preventing actual land distribution to farmers.

This practice perpetuated the feudal system, leaving tenant farmers landless and continuing their exploitation. For instance, in 2009, revenue officials demarcated 2,524 acres of Bhutto family land, dividing shares among family members:

Wife Begum Nusrat: 584 acres
Son Mir Murtaza : 720 acres
Daughter Benazir: 425 acres
Daughter Sanam: 425 acres
Sister Sasuee (daughter of Shahnawaz): 370 acres

Despite these allocations, the total landholdings of the Bhutta family extend into the thousands of acres, with individual estates often exceeding 50,000 acres. This concentration of land among a few families continues to influence the socio-economic landscape of the region.

Flood and Agricultural Reforms

Recognizing the importance of effective water management, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s administration established the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) in 1976. The FFC was tasked with developing national flood protection plans, enhancing flood forecasting capabilities, and conducting research to harness floodwaters for agricultural use. Additionally, the government focused on upgrading dams and barrages in Sindh Province to improve irrigation infrastructure and mitigate flood risks.

To empower the farming community, his government introduced programs aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in essential crops. These initiatives targeted the rice hulling, sugar milling, and wheat husking industries, with the public sector playing a pivotal role to reduce the influence of multinational corporations and prevent monopolies.

The government also addressed issues of waterlogging and salinity, which adversely affected crop yields, and provided tax exemptions for small landowners to encourage agricultural growth.

While these reforms benefited many, they also led to discontent among influential feudal lords, who perceived a threat to their traditional power and privilege

In summary, Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s land, flood, and agricultural reforms were ambitious efforts to transform Pakistan’s agrarian landscape by promoting equity and enhancing productivity. Despite facing implementation challenges, these reforms laid the groundwork for future policy discussions on land distribution and agricultural development in the country.

Downfall and Execution

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure as Pakistan’s Prime Minister (1973–1977) ended abruptly following allegations of electoral fraud during the March 1977 general elections. Opposition parties, notably the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), accused Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s Pakistan People’s Party of manipulating the electoral process, leading to widespread civil unrest.

In response to escalating protests and demands for electoral reforms, Bhutto initiated negotiations with the opposition in June 1977, agreeing to hold fresh elections in October. However, these talks collapsed due to disagreements over election procedures. Amidst this political turmoil, General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, the army chief, declared martial law on July 5, 1977, deposing Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s government.

Following his removal, h was arrested and charged with conspiring to murder Nawab Mohammad Ahmad Khan Kasuri, a political opponent. Despite a trial criticized for its fairness, he was convicted and executed on April 4, 1979.

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali’s ouster and subsequent execution remain contentious, with debates over the legitimacy of the trial and the role of the military in Pakistani politics.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto death

On April 4, 1979, Zulfiqar Ali was executed at Central Jail, Rawalpindi. His execution remains one of the most controversial political events in Pakistan’s history.

Legacy

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali legacy continues to shape Pakistan’s political landscape. His daughter, Benazir Shaheed, carried forward his political vision and served twice as Pakistan’s Prime Minister. The PPP remains a major political force in Pakistan, advocating for democracy, human rights, and economic reforms.

Bhutto Zulfikar Ali is remembered as a charismatic leader, a visionary statesman, and a champion of the poor. Despite his controversial policies and tumultuous rule, his contributions to Pakistan’s economic, political, and nuclear development are undeniable.

Politician Bhutto Zulfikar Ali was marked by great achievements and immense challenges. His rise and fall symbolize the complexities of Pakistan’s democratic struggle. Whether seen as a hero or a controversial figure, his impact on Pakistan’s history is indelible and far-reaching.