PPP celebrates Bhutto’s 97th birthday
Liaquat Ali
Islamabad: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Sunday celebrated the 97th birth anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister.
Born on January 5, 1928, in Rato Dero, Larkana, ZA Bhutto hailed from a politically prominent family. His father, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, was a member of the Indian Assembly during the British era.
Bhutto pursued his education at the University of California, Oxford, and Lincoln’s Inn, earning a law degree before stepping into politics.
Bhutto served as Foreign Minister in President Ayub Khan’s cabinet and gained international recognition for his passionate speech on Kashmir at the United Nations.
In 1967, he founded the Pakistan People’s Party, introducing the revolutionary slogan “Roti, Kapra, Aur Makaan” (Bread, Clothing, and Shelter) that transformed the country’s political landscape.
The PPP emerged victorious in the 1970 general elections in present-day Pakistan, making Bhutto the nation’s President after the East Pakistan tragedy.
As Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister, Bhutto spearheaded historic initiatives, including the Simla Agreement for the return of 90,000 prisoners of war, the drafting of the 1973 Constitution, and the launch of Pakistan’s nuclear program.
On July 5, 1977, Bhutto was ousted from power in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq. In a controversial trial, he was sentenced to death and executed on April 4, 1979.
Despite his tragic end, Bhutto’s legacy endures through the PPP, which remains a major political force in Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a visionary leader who reshaped Pakistan’s destiny and became a voice of the voiceless.
In a message on the 97th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on 5th January 2025, he said, “Today, we observe the 97th birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and pay tribute to the visionary leader who reshaped Pakistan’s destiny and became a voice of the voiceless. He was a statesman of unparalleled intellect, courage, and charisma, and his legacy will continue to remain a source of inspiration for the nation.”
He said Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gave us the Constitution of 1973, the first unanimously adopted Constitution, which laid the foundation for a parliamentary, democratic, and federal form of government. “He was the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear program, which has proven to be pivotal in safeguarding our sovereignty and security.”
Under his leadership, he said Pakistan strengthened its foreign relations with China and many other friendly countries that continue to benefit our country to this day.
“He brought industrial and technological advancements, such as the establishment of the Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi with Russian collaboration and the development of our defence industry that boosted our defense capabilities. It was due to his statesmanship that Pakistan hosted the 1974 Islamic Summit Conference, bringing together leaders of the Muslim world to enhance unity and cooperation among the Muslim Ummah. His efforts cemented Pakistan’s leadership role among developing nations and within the Islamic World,” he continued.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid rich tributes to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on the occasion of his 97th birthday being observed today January 5, 2025, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In his message Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto devoted his entire life to bring revolution in the lives of Pakistanis so they can live as independent citizen.
He said that sacrifices rendered by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for human rights will be remembered forever.
He also introduced agricultural, educational and health reforms in Pakistan during his tenure as minister of Pakistan.
He established different institutions like Pakistan Steel Mills, Heavy Mechanical Complex and Allama Iqbal Open University for welfare and education of Pakistanis.
