Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is a bright spot in the history of the subcontinent which not only brought a new dimension in the politics of Pakistan but also led to the emergence of the consciousness of the people. On the death anniversary of the great leader, we dedicate our tribute to his struggle, sacrifice and ideology that even after death remains alive and is a guiding light to the coming generations.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was an extraordinary personality. His political life began with vision, the purpose of which was to transform Pakistan into a strong, independent and people state. With him, the Pakistan Peoples Party was born and it occupied a niche in people hearts as it provided them with the slogan of Roti, Kapra and Makan. This was more than a slogan; it was an entire socio-economic philosophy that involved the will to make the poor and the deprived classes central to the state.
The political career of Shaheed Bhutto is marked with hardship and service to the population. He took over the leadership when the nation was in a severe state of crisis. Following the tragedy of the 1971, Pakistan had to be provided with a new orientation, and Bhutto was not falling short of this task. He was able to bring the country together, reclaim the prestige of Pakistan internationally and give a solid political and constitutional platform.
The greatest accomplishment of Shaheed Bhutto is the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan. To this day, this constitution remains the basis of the state, and it is a symbol of agreement between all political forces. This constitution also made the parliamentary system stronger, besides ensuring basic rights. It was due to the foresight of Shaheed Bhutto that he united all parties to the same table and was able to pass a unanimous constitution.
Shaheed Bhutto also established the basis of turning Pakistan into a nuclear state. He had made it quite clear that though we may have to eat grass, we will also make our defence stronger. The nuclear programme was initiated under his leadership and it would turn out to be an impregnable fortress in the defense of Pakistan. Pakistan is a nuclear country today, and the foresight of Shaheed Bhutto was a key to it.
The contribution of Shaheed Bhutto in the area of education is also memorable. He laid a network of educational institutions across the country, established universities and colleges, and tried to bring education within the reach of the common man. In his opinion, the way to development leads by education, and it is only educated nation, which will be able to create the basis of a powerful state.
Shaheed Bhutto defended the rights of the workers through nationalization of industries, agricultural reforms and attempts to make the economy people friendly. His policies were meant to achieve a society that would have narrowed the gap between the poor and the rich and also ensure that all citizens had equal opportunities.
However, regrettably, a great leader was convicted to die in one of the scandalous cases in the dark period of dictatorship. It is a black experience in the history of Pakistan that can never be forgotten. Shaheed Bhutto was not able to receive justice, but he gave the candle of democracy by sacrificing his life. His martyrdom made him immortal and he would forever live in the hearts of people.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto took the legacy of her father Shaheed Bhutto. She was carrying on with the mission of her father and she was in a fierce battle against dictatorship. She continued to raise the flag of democracy even though many challenges had to go through during exile and imprisonment. She was the first female prime minister of Islamic world and attempted to transform Pakistan into bright, moderate and progressive nation.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom was also a great tragedy, which made the entire nation mourn. However, following her martyrdom, President Asif Ali Zardari rescued the nation by instilling hope in the nation through the slogan of “Pakistan Khappy”. He encouraged the politics of reconciliation and coalesced the democratic system. Under his leadership, the supremacy of the constitution was ensured and the parliament was strengthened.
Today, the leaders of the country, President Asif Ali Zardari and the Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, continue the ideology and vision of Shaheed Bhutto. They are the generations who are the youth leadership and are struggling to have a modernized developed and equal Pakistan. The politics of theirs is that of the same spirit of public service, democracy and human rights that characterized Shaheed Bhutto.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has become a big voice in Pakistan and the world in general. He also speaks against fanaticism, intolerance and injustice and strives to create a society where everybody enjoys equal rights.
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lived his life as a lesson that the real politics is about values and serving masses. He did not give in to pressure and fear and was always a champion of truth and justice. We still have his struggle, his sacrifice and vision as a guiding light.
We should promise to preserve the ideology of Shaheed Bhutto, and we should defend democracy and do our bit to transform Pakistan into a strong, prosperous and developed nation. This would be a true tribute to him.
We pay tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the rest of the pro-democracy leaders who died in the service of this country. Their mission will never be in vain and their sacrifices would not be in vain. Pakistan Khappy - Long Live Democracy.
The writer is the Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit.
