After Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is the most recognized and revered name in Pakistan’s political history. Unlike the Quaid though, Bhutto’s life and administration was marked by many controversies. The Pakistani nation stands divided on a spectrum when it comes to viewing Bhutto as a leader. To some he was the savior of this land. To others, his political and personal ambitions lead to policy reforms which were unforgivable.
ZAB’s meteoric political rise was opportune under General Yahya’s military dictatorship. He set his reach out to the plights of the aam admi, under PPP’s slogan of “Roti, Kapra aur Makaan”.
To this day, Bhutto is remembered as one of the most important leaders of our country. Even 39 years after his death, the PPP survives and gathers attention on the foundation of the Bhutto name alone. Often accused of necropolitics, the saying “Aaj bhi Bhutto zinda hai” has managed to keep PPP thriving as one of the biggest and influential political parties in the country.
Regardless of how one views him, one thing is clearly evident – Bhutto has managed to leave an imprint on Pakistan’s political history.
Bhutto’s achievements included –
Formation of Pakistan’s first, and only, leftist party, the PPP
Improvement of worker’s rights in several key industries. And empowering small scale farmers with several land reforms
Expansion of education. An increase in number of schools and universities across Pakistan
Devising a Nuclear Weapons program
These achievement hold merit to Bhutto’s leadership skills. But it is imperative to remember a few of his self-made political misfortunes –
Alienation of East Pakistan, and fall of Dhaka. All done under the rallying cry of – “Woh wahan, aur hum yahan”
Introduction of a revised constitution of Pakistan, under right wing party pressures. This labelled Ahmadis as non-Muslims. And also converted Pakistan into an Islamic Republic state from a secular one
Military operations in Baluchustan as a means to thwart the NAP
Imposing nationalisation in a post-war, crumbling economy
