Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: Commemorating a Visionary Leader on His 45th Death Anniversary
April 4, 2025, is the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a great Pakistani leader. His role in democracy, social justice, and national progress continues to influence the political scenario of the country. Political leaders, activists, and people of Pakistan are commemorating his life.
The Rise of a Charismatic Leader
Jan 5, 1928, in Larkana, Sindh, was the birthplace of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a mass leader par excellence. He had gone to the University of California, Berkeley and then to Oxford University for further studies and had performed exceptionally well in law and politics.
In 1967, Bhutto founded the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on the slogan “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” (Food, Clothing, and Shelter). His vision was to create an egalitarian and democratic Pakistan where all citizens would have equal opportunities. His political ideology became popular within a short span of time, and he became a forceful voice of the working class and poor people.
A Legacy of Reforms and Successes
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was one of the principal architects of modern-day Pakistan. After the war of 1971 and the disintegration of East Pakistan, he became President of Pakistan and later its first ever elected Prime Minister. His term was marked by far-reaching social, political, and economic reforms.
Some of his most notable achievements are:
✔ The 1973 Constitution – A landmark document that turned Pakistan into a parliamentary democracy.
✔ Pakistan’s Nuclear Program – Bhutto began Pakistan’s nuclear program to boost national defense.
✔ Nationalization of Industries – He introduced economic policies to reduce wealth inequality. ✔ Foreign Policy Leadership – He stabilized Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim world and was instrumental in the Islamic Summit Conference.
Bhutto’s leadership was valued not only in Pakistan but even outside Pakistan. He brought hope and empowerment to the people and made them stakeholders in the country’s development.
The Darkest Chapter: Bhutto’s Execution
Although he was extremely popular, Bhutto’s rule was abruptly cut short when General Zia-ul-Haq deposed his government in 1977. He was arrested and indicted in a strongly politicized trial. It is widely believed that his trial was politically driven and biased.
On 4 April 1979, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was put to death in Rawalpindi Jail, an event which remains one of the saddest moments in Pakistan’s history. His death infuriated the international community and is to this day remembered as a political assassination.
Bhutto’s Lasting Legacy
Even after 45 years of his death, Bhutto’s ideas, leadership, and work continue to shape Pakistan’s political forces. His mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh remains a site of remembrance, where thousands of individuals visit annually to pay their respects to him. Now, when Pakistan is again confronted with new challenges, Bhutto’s dream of democracy, social justice, and an autonomous foreign policy remains an inspiration for many. His sacrifice for democracy will have his name never forgotten. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto will never be forgotten in the hearts of the people.
#ZulfiqarAliBhutto #ShaheedBhutto #BhuttoLegacy #45thDeathAnniversary
