Bhutto’s 47th death anniversary celebrated across country

The 47th death anniversary of former Prime Minister and founding president of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is being observed across the country on Saturday.

The leaders pay tribute to his political legacy and his contributions to the constitutional and democratic development of Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called for respect for justice and institutional integrity, saying: “Institutions must respect the rule of law, protect due process and ensure that justice is administered fairly and without bias.”

State broadcaster Radio Pakistan posted on X about Zardari’s message.

Recalling Bhutto’s leadership, he said, “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s leadership during a difficult period after 1971 helped restore national confidence and chart a new constitutional course for the country,” adding that “the 1973 Constitution, which continues to guide our parliamentary system, remains one of the most enduring achievements of that period.”

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Referring to the circumstances surrounding Bhutto’s execution, the President noted that he was put to death on April 4, 1979, following a trial conducted under Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law regime.

He referred to the Supreme Court’s March 2024 opinion that Bhutto had not received a fair trial, observing that the court proceedings had “destroyed any semblance of due process and fair trial.”

“Nearly half a century after his execution, the Supreme Court found that he did not receive due process,” the president said, emphasizing that this episode remains a crucial lesson about the importance of justice and institutional accountability.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, noting that she continued the democratic struggle “through years marked by political repression, imprisonment and exile”, and ultimately sacrificed her life for democratic ideals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tributes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary, saluting his national, political and constitutional services. He said Bhutto had rendered “valuable and sincere services” for the development, prosperity and strong defense of Pakistan during his tenure as prime minister.

Highlighting his constitutional contributions, the Prime Minister said Bhutto played a “constructive role” in the formulation and adoption of the 1973 Constitution, which continues to occupy a central place in strengthening the parliamentary system and promoting democracy in the country.

He added that Bhutto had made tremendous efforts to advance democratic governance, resolve fundamental problems of the people and represent Pakistan effectively on the world stage. The prime minister prayed for the elevation of Bhutto’s ranks, saying his political services would always be remembered.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, saying his visionary leadership, independent foreign policy and people-friendly approach continue to shape the direction of Pakistan.

Learn more: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: architect of modern Pakistan

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon described Bhutto as a defining figure in Pakistan’s political history. “Martyr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto symbolized an era, an ideology and the struggle for people’s rights,” he said.

He added that Bhutto “instilled political consciousness in the people of Pakistan and gave them a sense of democratic governance and sovereignty”, while providing the country with a unanimous Constitution and laying the foundation for its nuclear program.

Memon further said that Benazir Bhutto, following in her father’s footsteps, contributed to the development of missile technology, adding that Pakistan’s strong defense today reflects the efforts of both leaders.

“Bhutto’s political thought and philosophy continue to serve as a guide to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan People’s Party,” he said, reaffirming that under the leadership of President Zardari and President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party remains committed to pursuing its mission.

PPP central spokesperson Shazia Marri paid tributes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary, saying April 4 reminds the nation of his struggle and sacrifices.

She said Bhutto had endowed Pakistan with a Constitution and a democratic path, adding that the 1973 Constitution remained the foundation of the country’s parliamentary system and was its historic achievement.

Marri said Bhutto made Pakistan a nuclear power and played a key role in unifying the Muslim world. She added that he brought politics from living rooms to the public and made ordinary people aware of politics.

She added that the slogan ‘roti, kapra aur makaan’ (bread, clothes and shelter) was Bhutto’s vision and remains relevant today.

She said protecting democracy, the Constitution and public rights was Bhutto’s mission, adding that Benazir Bhutto continued the fight against dictatorship and her sacrifice symbolized strengthening democracy.

She added that the rule of law and constitutional continuity are essential for a strong Pakistan and Bhutto’s vision continues to live in the hearts of the people. She said the PPP would continue its fight for democracy and public rights.

Meanwhile, Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also paid tribute to Bhutto, describing him as a symbol of public conscience, dignity and democracy.

Lanjar said Bhutto had ensured a dignified and sovereign position for Pakistan in the international community and his vision always offered solutions to the country’s current challenges.

He said Bhutto gave voice and strength to the underprivileged and set a shining example of struggle for democracy, Constitution and public supremacy.

Lanjar added that the nation continues to draw inspiration from Bhutto’s vision, courage and leadership, noting that he shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy along independent and dignified lines.

He said Bhutto inspired political awareness and confidence among the youth, adding that his sacrifice remained an enduring chapter in history. He added that Bhutto made the people the true source of power and his philosophy continues to support the development of Pakistan.

Read also: PPP will continue to follow Bhutto’s ideology: Zardari

Born on January 5, 1928 in Larkana, Bhutto received higher education in the United States and at Oxford. He founded the PPP in 1967, which quickly became a major political force in the country. He was president from 1971 to 1973, then prime minister until 1977.

During his tenure, he introduced the 1973 Constitution, launched Pakistan’s nuclear program and strengthened the country’s position on the world stage. Following the imposition of martial law in 1977, Bhutto was removed from office, tried in a murder case, and then executed in Rawalpindi.

The Sindh government declared a public holiday on the occasion, while commemorative events and gatherings were held across the country in a low-key manner in line with austerity measures. PPP workers and supporters paid tribute to Bhutto, as well as Benazir Bhutto and other party leaders, reaffirming their commitment to the party’s founding ideals.