Today, January 5, 2026, marks the 98th birth anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, one of Pakistan’s most respected and charismatic political leaders. Born in Larkana, Sindh, in 1928, Bhutto played a major role in shaping Pakistan’s modern political landscape.
After studying overseas at Oxford University and UC Berkeley, he returned to Pakistan in 1953 to start a legal career. In an effort to give the common people a voice, he soon entered politics and established the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in 1967.
Bhutto won the general elections and was appointed prime minister in 1973. Significant reforms were implemented by his administration, such as nationalizing industries, redistributing land, and initiating Pakistan’s nuclear program to bolster national security. The lower and middle classes enthusiastically supported his policies and speeches.
But there were difficulties with his leadership. Martial law was declared on July 5, 1977, and Bhutto was overthrown. Later, in a contentious case, he was tried and put to death.
Significantly, on March 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, ruled that Bhutto had not been given a fair trial, in violation of Articles 4 and 9 of the Constitution. Calls for justice and public conversation were rekindled by this point of view.
Examples of how Bhutto’s legacy endures are initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program and the PPP’s ongoing impact. Many believe that Pakistan or even the Islamic world may never produce another leader of his caliber.
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