ON April 4, 1979, the first democratically elected leader of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, fell prey to dictatorship and lost his life. Bhutto, also known as the Quaid-i-Awam (leader of the nation), was a legendary leader. His death was actually the murder of our nation’s prosperity. It was not Bhutto, but democracy that was executed on April 4, 1979.
Bhutto was a visionary. He was not only a national hero, but also an internationally renowned political figure. He was known as one of the most intelligent leaders of his generation.
Bhutto’s life was as mysterious as his death. If he gathered many a friend, he also had his share of foes. His intellect, education and vision made him powerful; but his sensitivity, emotionalism and leniency landed him in trouble in the murky world of politics.
For a good leader it is very important to be focused on nation-building. And Bhutto was a focused man. But he also used to think about the betterment of the entire world, particularly the Muslim world. He urged the Arab countries to use oil as their weapon against developed nations. That’s why he was also called Fakher-i-Asia, the most favourite leader of Asia. Bhutto always voiced his opinion in favour of the Muslim Ummah.
If Pakistan ever experienced a political revolution, it was the revolution brought by Bhutto’s tenure that introduced democratic trends into our political culture.
Effective leadership is not gauged by the number of followers of a particular leader, but by what the leader delivers in politics. Bhutto showed the path of prosperity and development to his people and led them to it. A staunch believer in self-reliance, he was a fierce opponent of imperialism. He believed that the imperialists wanted to rule the world and no respectable nation should let them succeed in their endeavour.
Bhutto was a socialist and loved Islam too. The slogan that he came up with — Roti, Kapda aur Makan — is still an effective one. Many governments have come and gone ever since he died, but the slogan has remained as catchy as it used to be in the early ‘70s. It wouldn’t be disputable to say that under Bhutto’s leadership, Pakistan’s oppressed classes got conscious of their rights.
The nations that have feudal and tribal cultures are generally not among the prosperous ones. For that reason, and to break the shackles of economic slavery, Bhutto took some special revolutionary measures that were widely appreciated. Pakistan is an agrarian country. To strengthen the country’s agricultural productivity Bhutto introduced land reforms. These reforms were basically meant to improve the condition of the lower classes, especially the farmers. Despite hailing from a tribal and feudal background, Bhutto opposed the unjust social attitude and first time ever in the history of the country shook the feudal culture.
It was Bhutto’s wit that eased relations between India and Pakistan, a couple of whose results came in the shape of the Shimla Pact and the demand for the release of prisoners of war. In Bhutto’s tenure, there were peaceful relations with China and Iran.
Bhutto was the only leader of his time who, after independence, had friendly neighbouring relations, and at the same time understood the security risks faced by his country, which led him to come up with the idea of having the country’s own nuclear power plant.
The nuclear programme was a sensitive issue to which, many people think, he lost his life. But Bhutto chose to wear the crown of thorns because he was not afraid of acquiring nuclear technology. The issue was the bone of contention between leaders of developed nations and him. He refused to listen to them on the nuclear issue. In his famous statement, the then US secretary of state Henry Kissinger warned Bhutto that if Pakistan continued with its nuclear programme “the prime minister would have to pay a heavy price”.
Bhutto’s local and international opponents were always busy trying to entrap him on one pretext or another, and to halt the process of Pakistan’s development. As a result, he was much criticized for his administrative reforms and removal policies for government officials. He was also blamed for not strengthening institutions like judiciary and parliament.
The blame for the debacle of Dhaka is often put on Bhutto and Sheikh Mujeeb; but there was also a third party involved, and that was Yahya Khan. Having said that, the tragedy shrouds in mystery to date.
Here it has to be said that Bhutto as a human being had his share of weaknesses. His stubborn nature was never appreciated by anyone. Most of his policies were controversial, something that’s part of politics. However, there are some complaints against him that hardly seem logical.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto not only lived, but also died for his country. He was a courageous man, who fought audaciously against dictatorial forces till he breathed his last. He will remain alive in our memories.
