Bhutto’s 47th death anniversary is celebrated throughout the country

The 47th birthday of former prime minister and founding chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is being celebrated across the country on Saturday.

Leaders pay tribute to his political legacy and contribution to Pakistan’s constitutional and democratic development.

President Asif Ali Zardari in his message called for upholding justice and institutional integrity, saying, “The institutions must uphold the rule of law, protect due process and ensure that justice is administered fairly and without prejudice”.

The state television company Radio Pakistan posted that X about Zardari’s message.

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

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

He pointed to the Supreme Court’s March 2024 opinion, which ruled that Bhutto had not received a fair trial, noting that trials had “destroyed any form of due process and due process”.

“Nearly half a century after his execution, the Supreme Court ruled that he had not received a fair trial,” the president said, stressing that the episode remains a critical lesson in the importance of justice and institutional accountability.

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

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary and praised his national, political and constitutional services. He said Bhutto rendered “valuable services with sincerity” for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and strong defense during his tenure as prime minister.

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

He added that Bhutto made significant efforts to promote democratic governance, address the fundamental issues of the people and effectively represent Pakistan on the global stage. The prime minister asked for elevation in Bhutto’s ranks and said 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 pro-people approach continue to shape Pakistan’s direction.

Read more: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: Architect of Modern Pakistan

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

He added that Bhutto “instilled political awareness among 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 programme.

Memon further said that Benazir Bhutto, who followed 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 continues to serve as a guiding light for the leadership and workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party,” he said, affirming that under the leadership of President Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party remains committed to carrying on his mission.

PPP Central Spokesperson Shazia Marri paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary and said that April 4 reminds the nation of his struggle and sacrifices.

She said Bhutto provided Pakistan with a constitution and a democratic path, adding that the 1973 constitution remains the foundation of the country’s parliamentary system and stands as his historic achievement.

Marri said Bhutto made Pakistan a nuclear power and played a key role in uniting the Muslim world. She added that he brought politics from drawing rooms to the public and gave political awareness to ordinary citizens.

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

She said the protection of democracy, constitution and public rights was Bhutto’s mission, adding that Benazir Bhutto carried forward the fight against dictatorship and her sacrifice symbolizes the strengthening of democracy.

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

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

Lanjar said Bhutto secured Pakistan a dignified and sovereign position in the international community and his vision still offers solutions to the country’s current challenges.

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

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

He said Bhutto inspired youth with political awareness and self-confidence, adding that his sacrifice remains an enduring chapter in history. He further said that Bhutto made the people the true source of power and his philosophy continues to underpin Pakistan’s development.

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

Bhutto was born on January 5, 1928 in Larkana and received higher education in the United States and Oxford. He founded the PPP in 1967, which soon emerged as a major political force in the country. He served as President from 1971 to 1973 and later as Prime Minister until 1977.

During his tenure, he introduced the 1973 constitution, initiated Pakistan’s nuclear program and strengthened the country’s position on the global stage. After the imposition of martial law in 1977, Bhutto was removed from office, convicted in a murder case and subsequently executed in Rawalpindi.

The Sindh government declared a public holiday on the occasion, while commemorations and gatherings were held across the country in a subdued 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.