Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as the country's President from 1971 to 1973 and as Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. Born on 5 January 1928 in Larkana, Sindh, into a wealthy feudal family, he studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and Christ Church, Oxford, before entering politics and government service.

Rise to power

Bhutto served as Foreign Minister under President Ayub Khan, but resigned in 1967 and founded the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with a populist, socialist platform that resonated with the masses. After Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war and the separation of East Pakistan, he took over as President — a moment that he famously described as picking up the pieces of a broken country. As President, he negotiated the Simla Agreement with India and built Pakistan's nuclear programme.

Prime Minister and downfall

As Prime Minister under the 1973 Constitution, Bhutto introduced land reforms, nationalised major industries and led the country through the 1974 Islamic summit in Lahore. Allegations of rigging in the 1977 elections triggered protests and a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq. Bhutto was tried for the murder of a political opponent, sentenced to death in 1978 and hanged on 4 April 1979, despite international appeals for clemency.

Legacy

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is one of the most consequential and polarising figures in Pakistani history. He founded the country's most enduring political dynasty — his daughter Benazir and grandson Bilawal have led the PPP for decades — and his execution remains one of the defining traumas of Pakistani politics.