After Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is the only leader of Pakistan whose life, personality, politics and services have been extensively documented in thousands of books and articles, with countless more expected in the future. Millions of fans continue to cherish his legacy, praising him from generation to generation. His memory lives on in countless hearts, making Shaheed Bhutto an eternal figure in the history of Pakistan.
The sad thing is that even in this modern age of knowledge and information, decades old baseless and fabricated allegations are repeated in an attempt to tarnish his legacy. Despite historical records and reliable sources refuting these allegations, some persist in their relentless propaganda, such as denying that daylight or that apples are bitter can alter reality. Such stubborn denial reflects closed minds, for which there is no cure. On the occasion of Shaheed Bhutto’s birth anniversary, it is appropriate to analyze the major allegations leveled against him, separating them from fiction.
A common claim is that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto owed his political career to General Ayub Khan. However, this claim blatantly ignores the political heritage of the Bhutto family. Born on January 5, 1928 in Larkana, Bhutto belonged to a prominent political family of the subcontinent. His father, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, was a trailblazer, becoming a member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly in 1921 at the age of just 33. A staunch supporter of the separation of Sindh from Bombay, Sir Shahnawaz represented the Muslims of Sindh in 1931. Round Table Conference and later served as Governor of Sindh and Deputy Advisor. Chairman of Sindh United Party. In 1947, he played an important role as the Prime Minister of Junagadh, convincing Nawab Mahabat Khanji to accede to Pakistan.
To claim that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a scion of such a distinguished family, needed Ayub Khan’s patronage to enter politics is tantamount to distorting history.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s academic and professional achievements further disprove this myth. He earned degrees in political science from the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley, followed by advanced studies in jurisprudence and political science at Christchurch, Oxford. Later, he became a lecturer at Southampton University and a member of Lincoln’s Inn.
During the tenure of Prime Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Bhutto was considered for inclusion in the UN delegation. By 1957, he represented Pakistan at the United Nations under Prime Minister Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy and later attended the United Nations Conference on Maritime Law in 1958. These feats demonstrated his exceptional intelligence and skill, qualities that eventually led Ayub Khan to entrust him with various responsibilities. Ministerial portfolio including the important role of Foreign Minister.
In his continued hostility to the Bhutto family, some opponents, often lacking in moral restraint, have accused Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto of addressing Ayub Khan as “Daddy”. However, no credible evidence has ever been presented to substantiate this claim. The allegation is alternately placed on Gohar Ayub or his son, but neither of them has been able to provide evidence. It is worth noting that political associations evolve over time. Even Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah began his political journey with the Indian National Congress before forming an alliance with the All India Muslim League. Similarly, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, once a part of Ayub Khan’s government, chose to distance himself, realizing the government’s neglect to address the real needs of the people. This marked the formation of the Pakistan People’s Party, which quickly became the voice of the nation’s aspirations.
Recently a baseless propaganda campaign has surfaced on social media alleging that Bhutto had written a letter to Iskandar Mirza in which he was allegedly described as a greater leader than Quaid-e-Azam. The claim dates back to 1967-68, when Musa Khan, a close associate of Ayub Khan and then Governor-General of West Pakistan, asserted that Bhutto had written in a letter that his father had advised him to cooperate with Mirza. was given Remarkably, during Bhutto’s tenure as prime minister, despite intense opposition campaigns, often supported by external funding, neither the letter nor any opposition figure came to light at the time. accused Bhutto of making such a claim.
The alleged letter first appeared in a 1997 book titled Iskandar Mirza Speaks. By this time, Pakistan had already endured the repressive regime of Zia-ul-Haq, who was notorious for distorting history and fabricating documents. Given the context, the authenticity of this letter is highly questionable and cannot be accepted at face value.
Critics also accuse Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of contributing to the breakup of Pakistan by chanting “Adhar Hum, Aadhar Tum” and threatening the participants of the Dhaka Assembly session. However, broader context and facts are necessary for a fair assessment. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman contested the 1970 elections on his six-point platform, which effectively proposed that the provinces function as independent states with separate currencies, militias and economic systems. After gaining a majority, Sheikh Mujib announced his intention to pass these points in the opening session of the Assembly, effectively dissolving the Pakistan Alliance.
At this critical juncture, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took a determined stand to protect the integrity of Pakistan. Inspired by his unwavering commitment to national unity, he famously warned that anyone attending the assembly session in Dacca would face dire consequences. Even Mujib’s own allies have acknowledged the existence of the Agartala Conspiracy, which revealed that Awami League was used by India to divide Pakistan.
Bhutto traveled to Dhaka for talks and showed flexibility by agreeing to about five of Mujib’s six points. However, he strongly opposed the creation of separate paramilitary forces for each province, a move that would have effectively divided Pakistan into several independent entities. Sheikh Mujib’s refusal to compromise led to widespread unrest in East Pakistan, followed by a military operation, and ultimately, Indian intervention, leading to the partition of Pakistan.
It is important to recognize that if Bhutto had not taken a strong stand, the Pakistan we know today might not have survived. Mujib’s six points, if accepted, would have eclipsed the Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, which would have broken up Pakistan.
Criticism of Bhutto’s constitutional amendments is often biased. His major achievement was the creation of Pakistan’s first consensual democratic constitution, which protected the rights of its citizens. Bhutto also restored national morale after the 1971 crisis, secured the return of 90,000 prisoners of war through the Simla Agreement, and launched Pakistan’s nuclear program, ensuring its security despite immense international pressure.
For these contributions, he faced impeachment and a highly controversial trial, which ended in his execution. Decades later, the Supreme Court recognized the injustice of his trial, yet the architects of his judicial killing went unpunished.
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s legacy deserves celebration, not vilification. His undying love for Pakistan, his sacrifices, and his vision for a prosperous future are unmatched. Their story should inspire future generations and be included in textbooks to guide them with their example of resilience, hope and unwavering dedication to the nation.
The author is MPA of People’s Party in Sindh Assembly.