ISLAMABAD: The 97th birth anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is being celebrated today.
A wreath of flowers will be placed on his grave and a special prayer will be offered. Various programs have been arranged for this day by the political parties. Party leaders and supporters will pay tribute to him for his outstanding services to Pakistan, including drafting the country’s unified constitution, empowering the common citizen with the right to vote, and advancing Pakistan’s nuclear program. is
Bhutto, the only son of Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, was born on 5 January 1928. He completed his early education at the Cathedral High School in Bombay. He attended the University of Southern California in 1947 and later the University of California at Berkeley in June 1949.
In June 1950, he was admitted to Oxford after completing a degree with honors in political science at Berkeley. Bhutto was then called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1953.
On his return to Pakistan, Bhutto started a law practice in Dingomals. In 1958, he joined President Iskandar Mirza’s cabinet as Minister of Commerce. He was the youngest minister in Ayub Khan’s cabinet. In 1963, he took over as Foreign Minister from Muhammad Ali Bogra.
His first major achievement was the completion of the Sino-Pakistan Border Agreement on March 2, 1963. In mid-1964, Bhutto helped convince Ayub of the wisdom of establishing closer economic and diplomatic ties with Turkey and Iran.
He founded the Pakistan People’s Party on 30 November 1967.
Bhutto also made the country’s defense impregnable by starting the nuclear program. He made the 1973 constitution possible by consensus.
Bhutto changed Pakistan’s destiny: President
President Asif Ali Zardari said that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a visionary leader who changed the destiny of Pakistan and became the voice of the voiceless.
In his message on the 97th birthday of the former Prime Minister, he said that today we are celebrating the 97th birthday of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and pay tribute to the visionary leader who shaped the destiny of Pakistan and became the voice of the voiceless. Present.
He was a politician of unparalleled intelligence, courage and charisma and his legacy will be a beacon for the nation.
“Bhutto gave us the 1973 Constitution, the first unanimously approved constitution, which laid the foundation for a parliamentary, democratic and federal form of government,” he said.
“He was the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear program, which has been instrumental in safeguarding our sovereignty and security.”
He said that under his leadership, Pakistan strengthened its foreign relations with China and many other friendly countries, which is benefiting our country till date.
“They brought industrial and technological developments, such as the establishment of the Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi with Russian cooperation and the development of our defense industry, which increased our defense capabilities,” he said.
“It was because of his prudent strategy that Pakistan hosted the 1974 Islamic Summit, which brought together the leaders of the Muslim world to promote unity and cooperation among the Muslim Ummah.
Bhutto’s efforts strengthened Pakistan’s leadership role in developing countries and the Islamic world, he continued.
Zardari said Bhutto also focused on empowering the underprivileged and ending economic disparity, adding that his land reforms and initiatives for the betterment of workers and workers not only brought dignity to millions of people but also Change their lives too.
He said that the former Prime Minister’s economic initiatives such as the creation of large public sector enterprises and the expansion of education, health and infrastructure laid the foundation for growth and development.
He added that institutions like Allama Iqbal Open University and the focus on technical education arose out of his determination to make knowledge accessible to all.
He said that Bhutto was a supporter of democracy, stood firm against dictatorship and oppression.
His ultimate sacrifice, facing the gallows rather than compromise his principles, immortalized him as a beacon of resistance and resilience, the president said.