Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Head of State and Government of Pakistan from 1971-1973 Date of Birth: 05.01.1928 Country: Pakistan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Diplomatic Career and Political Beginnings
3. "Islamic Socialism" and Rise to Power
4. Presidency and Bangladesh War
5. Constitutional Reforms and Premiership
6. Downfall and Execution

Early Life and Education

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was born on January 5, 1928, into an affluent Muslim family in Larkana, British India (now Pakistan). He pursued his education in India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, and Oxford University.

Diplomatic Career and Political Beginnings

In 1957, Bhutto joined the Pakistani delegation to the United Nations. He ascended to the post of Pakistan's Foreign Minister in 1963 but failed to resolve the Pakistan-India conflict over Kashmir. Criticizing President Ayub Khan's signing of the Tashkent Declaration in 1965, Bhutto resigned as Foreign Minister in 1966 and founded the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in 1967.

"Islamic Socialism" and Rise to Power

Bhutto advocated for "restoring democracy" and proposed an economic reform program called "Islamic socialism." He faced arrest and imprisonment (1968-1969). In the 1970 parliamentary elections, the PPP emerged victorious in West Pakistan, but the Awami League, advocating for East Pakistan's autonomy, gained a majority.

Presidency and Bangladesh War

Ayub Khan's successor, President Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan, dismissed the election results, triggering a civil war that ultimately led to the formation of an independent Bangladesh. Yahya Khan was forced to resign, and Bhutto assumed the presidency on December 21, 1971. After Commonwealth nations recognized Bangladesh's independence, Bhutto withdrew Pakistan from the organization.

Constitutional Reforms and Premiership

In 1972, Bhutto negotiated with Indira Gandhi to withdraw Indian troops from the Pakistani border and froze the army positions in Kashmir. Following the adoption of a new constitution in 1973 that made the presidency a ceremonial post, Bhutto became Prime Minister. He concurrently held the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Interior.

Downfall and Execution

The PPP won the general elections in March 1977, but opposition leaders alleged rigging. Protests ensued, providing justification for a military coup. Bhutto was arrested on July 5, 1977. In September, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq charged him with conspiracy. Under martial law, Bhutto was sentenced to death in March 1978. He was executed in Rawalpindi on April 4, 1979.