History and Culture of

Pakistan
Paper – I
Sample Answers

THEMINISTRY OF
BENAZIR BHUTTO
Compiled by

Nader Jan
SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and
1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-1990
Who was Benazir Bhutto? [4]

 She was the daughter of ZA Bhutto.

 She was the leader of PPP after her father.
 She was the 11th PM of Pakistan.
 She was dismissed two times in 1990 and 1996.
 Her political rival was MNS.
 She was shot dead in 2007 at Rawalpindi.

How did BB come to power?

o In 1998, Gen Zia dismissed PM Junejo and promised election in 90 days.

o Gen Zia died in a terrible air crash in August, 1998.
o Ghulam Ishaq Khan became the acting President.
o BB had already come to Pakistan.
o PPP launched election campaign and got simple majority.
o GI Khan invited BB to become PM of Pakistan.
o She was to make compromises with other political parties to reach the office.

What was the Pre-election scenario? [4]

o Gen Zia died in a terrible Air Crash on Aug 17, 1988

o Ghulam Ishaq Khan took over as President
o Committed himself to hold Elections on non – party basis
o Non – party basis formula – rejected
o SC gave its verdict in the favour of political parties
o Elections held under the supervision of Army and SC in Nov 1988

What was the Pucca Qila Massacre? [4]

 On October 27, 1990, Sindh govt. launched a crackdown in Hyderabad against the MQM
power centre.
 A shoot-on sight curfew was imposed and a police house to house search began.
 Muhajirs protested at this treatment and fighting broke out.
 In what has become known as the “Pucca Qila Massacre”.
 31 women and children were killed

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

What problems did Benazir Bhutto face as PM of Pakistan? [4]

 Faced opposition from politicians who wanted her to fail.

 Her husband Mr. Asif Ali Zardari was accused of corruption.
 Divisions in her party (PPP)
 IJI criticized the govt. of being close to USA.
 Confrontations with provincial governments.
 Violent protests, Pucca Qila Massacre.

Describe the problems caused by family feuds. [4]

 Benazir had quarrel with her mother Nusrat Bhutto over control of PPP as Begum Nusrat
Bhutto favoured Murtaza Bhutto as leader.
 Murtaza Bhutto used to criticize Benazir Bhutto and opposed Zardari’s involvement in
PPP.
 Zardari was accused of paybacks on property and govt. debts and being involved in
political murders. He was known as Mr. 10%.
 Murtaza Bhutto was assassinated in a police ambush and a judicial review of the
incident found govt. involvement in it.

Why did Benazir Bhutto fall from office in 1990?

Corruption and Nepotism

PPP government was accused of being involved in financial corruption. It gave loans to party
workers who had no skills or experience in running their businesses. BB was further accused
that her husband, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, and her father-in-law, Mr. Hakim Ali Zardari, received
massive kickbacks in local and international deals. Such economic mismanagements adversely
affected the smooth functioning of the government. That’s why the charges of corruption
weakened BB’s grip and it resulted in her dismissal in 1990. 

Coalition fell apart

In 1988, PPP secured a simple majority in the elections but could not form her own govt. It
made and alliance with MQM, but that coalition soon started to crumble on issues, such as the
promotion of Sindhi language and people of rural Sindh. The situation worsened when there
was serious violence in Hyderabad (Pacca Qila) and Karachi in which hundreds of innocent
people lost their lives. So Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed the government on 6 August 1990 as
it failed in maintaining law and order in Sindh.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

Conflict with opposition & Provincial Government

BB government was inefficient and could not deliver good governance. There was decline in the
economy and the rate of unemployment increased. MNS, the Chief Minister of Punjab and BB’s
staunch opponent pursued a policy of open confrontation. IJI (Islami Jamhuri Ittehad) led by
MNS was a permanent obstacle in her way. The no-confidence motion in National Assembly
also damaged her position which further aggravated the situation. Henceforth, GIK dismissed
her government in August 1990.

Conflict with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan

The Prime Minister's and President's had contradicting views about the appointments of armed
forces chiefs and judges of superior judiciary. The president had discretionary powers to make
such appointments but Benazir wanted to appoint them herself. The president refused and
considered it interference in his domain. This refusal by president created a rift between the
two. Therefore, the tussle between the high functionaries of the government paved the road
to the dismissal of BB’s government.

c/d. How successful was Benazir Bhutto as PM of Pakistan in the

years 1988-90 and 1993-96? [14/10]

Benazir Bhutto assumed the office of Prime Minister after 11 years of struggle against the
military regime o f Gen. Zia. She expressed her willingness to work with opposition for the
promotion of democracy in the country. After coming into power, she lifted the ban on trade
unions, students unions and other organizations. She truly lived up to the legacy of her father
and promoted the cause of poor. She released all the political prisoners and lifted the ban on
media as well which reflected her commitment to restore the democratic norms and
traditions. Henceforth, it can be stated that she brought back democracy and gave freedom of
expression and speech to the people of Pakistan.

Her government also took some restructured measures to reduce defense expenditures,
increased and improved tax collection and to reduce the budget deficit. She also imposed a
tax on agriculture. Unlike her father, she pursued the policy of privatization instead of
socialism and Nationalization. BB emphasized on economic growth and reduced subsidies to
generate revenue for the govt. Her policy of privatization attracted FDI in the country which
generated employment opportunities at home. So it not improved the quality of productions
but even elevated the life standard and quality of services.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

She also started a research programme on missile development. Along with the help of China,
she sent the first military satellite of Pakistan, BADAR – I to space. It was a great achievement
as now Pakistan got military help in the form of missiles and satellite surveillance. Such
practical measures on the defense frontiers of the country improved her popularity at home.

Yet another achievement of BB was launching of the first women bank in Pakistan. By doing
so, she not only gave women jobs in pursuing her slogan of “Rooti, Kapra, Makan” but also
supported and strengthened their position in a patriarchal society to defend them in
achieving their rights. She proved that she was the real voice of the downtrodden.

However, her govt. was unsuccessful in many ways………………

BB and President GIK had contradicting views about the appointments of armed forces chiefs
and judges of superior judiciary. The president had discretionary powers to make such
appointments but Benazir wanted to appoint them herself. The president refused and
considered it interference in his domain. This refusal by president created a rift between the
two. Therefore, the tussle between the high functionaries of the government paved the road
to the dismissal of BB’s government.

BB government was accused of being involved in financial corruption. It gave loans to party
workers who had no skills or experience in running their businesses. BB was further accused
that her husband, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, and her father-in-law, Mr. Hakim Ali Zardari, received
massive kickbacks in local and international deals. Such economic mismanagements
adversely affected the smooth functioning of the government. That’s why the charges of
corruption weakened BB’s grip and it resulted in her dismissal in 1990. 

In 1988, PPP secured a simple majority in the elections but could not form her own govt. It
made and alliance with MQM, but that coalition soon started to crumble on issues, such as
the promotion of Sindhi language and people of rural Sindh. The situation worsened when
there was serious violence in Hyderabad (Pacca Qila) and Karachi in which hundreds of
innocent people lost their lives. So Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed the government on 6 August
1990 as it failed in maintaining law and order in Sindh.

Conclusion/Judgement
I believe that Benazir Bhutto was an influential political leader, who strived to ensure the well
being of the Pakistani people. She expressed her willingness to implement democratic
policies in the country. She was indeed the voice of marginalized since she pressed hard for
the rights of women, children and poor. She challenged the stigmas of women and produced
more programs to benefit women and other minorities. Her legacy will forever be a
strong Pakistani leader who truly cared for the hearts of the Pakistani people.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

Benazir Bhutto (1993 – 1996)
Background:

o Benazir Bhutto was the eldest daughter and the first child of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
o She was born at Karachi in 1953.
o In 1973, she graduated from Harvard University and enrolled at Oxford University.
o She also did her post-graduation from Oxford University.
o In 1977, she returned to Pakistan.
o Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto wanted his daughter to contest in the elections of 1977, but she was
very young, so she served her father as an advisor.
o Zia-ul-Haq demonstrated Martial Law.
o She was imprisoned for over six years but allowed to leave Pakistan in 1984 on medical
grounds.
o In 1986, she returned to Pakistan to contest in the election which made Zia-ul-Haq
fearful, but he died in a plane crash in 1988. 
o After the death of Zia-ul-Haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan became the acting President of
Pakistan and he held the elections. 
o She became the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988-1990.
o She again chaired as Prime Minister in 1993-1996.
o She was assassinated in 2007 in Liquat Bagh Rawalpindi.

Policies/Reforms:

1. Foreign Policy:
o Benazir during her premiership of 1993-1996 visited various countries.
o She wanted to bring the world's attention towards the Kashmir issues and the atrocities
of India in Kashmir.
o She worked her best to strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and the United
States as during the rule of Nawaz Sharif the ties between the two countries were not
friendly.
o The United States pressurized Benazir Bhutto to abandon Pakistan's nuclear program
but despite her wish to strengthen ties with the US, she did not show any flexibility in
this matter.
o Benazir’s efforts resulted in the lift of economic and military sanctions from the country
by the US.
o In 1988, she held the 4th SAARC Conference in Islamabad, all member countries
attended the conference including India that helped in improving ties with the country. 

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

Economic Reforms:
o Benazir Bhutto focused on expanding the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).
o Her government also took some restructured measures to reduce defense expenditures,
increase and improve tax collection and to reduce the budget deficit.
o She also imposed a tax on agriculture.
o Despite all these, she failed to do something real to generate the revenue or to control
the expenses as a result during her second tenure the tax of Pakistan was 80 percent
more than its GDP.

Political Reforms:
o Restored democracy and political system in the country.
o Ended the ban that Zia-ul-Haq imposed on student unions and trade.
o She freed the prisoners that Zia-ul-Haq captured to make her rule a successful one.
o By restoring democracy, she also gave the people of Pakistan freedom of speech.

Social Reforms:
o She established the first women bank in Pakistan, created job opportunities for women
and protected their rights in a male dominant society.

Military Reforms:
o She started an Integrated Research Program on missile development.
o With the cooperation of China first military satellite was developed known as “Badr-1”.
o Her efforts gave Pakistan military a satellite surveillance system.

Shortcomings of Benazir’s Rule (both tenures):

False Promises:

Her policies failed to acknowledge the problems concerning health, inflation, unemployment
and education sector even though during her election campaign she pledged to resolve these
issues.

Conflict with Ghulam Ishaq Khan:

o She had serious disagreements with Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the president of Pakistan as
she wanted to appoint army chiefs and judges herself to strengthen her rule.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

 o Her disagreements and conflicts with the president created political instability.

Confrontation with Nawaz Sharif:

o The government of the People Party under Benazir Bhutto's rule remained
confrontational with the opposition throughout her second tenure.
o Nawaz Sharif also accused Benazir Bhutto of conspiracy with the president Ghulam Ishaq
Khan to overthrow his government in 1993.
o During Nawaz Sharif’s first tenure as Prime Minister, PPP (Pakistan People Party) failed
to develop a cordial relationship.
o Since Nawaz Sharif was the Chief Minister of Punjab, his party in opposition returned
the favor using political tactics.
o In 1994 – 1995, Nawaz Sharif with the support of President Farooq Ahmed Laghari
started a ‘Train March’ from Karachi to Peshawar.
o The Train March was successful and gathered attention towards the bad governance
and corruption of the Pakistan People Party.

Why did Benazir Bhutto fall from office in 1996?

The conflict within the family weakened the position of BB. She ousted her mother Bgum
Nusrat Bhutto from her position as co-chairperson of PPP which further deepened the rift. Her
mother wanted Mir Murtaza Bhutto to lead and head the party and to take over as successor of
ZA Bhutto. However, Mir Murtaza was killed in an ambush with Sindh police in Karachi in front
of his house. The opposition blamed her for being involved in her brother’s killing. Her position
was vulnerable as PM since she could not provide security to her own bother. That’s why she
lost the moral authority to continue as premier.

Nawaz Sharif mounted a personal attack on Bhutto, focusing on her business interests and
political methods and also held rallies and demonstrations in several cities with her brother Mir
Murtaza Bhutto. There was much violence, strikes and killings which adversely affected the
smooth functioning of her government. She started to arrest her opposition leaders, which
made her very unpopular and politically weak.

Pakistan’s economic problems led to a request for a loan from the IMF which led to strict
financial controls that were blamed on the government. The ration of inflation increased and
the prices were out of the reach of a common man. The stories of corruption and financial
irregularities made her notorious among the masses. Her husband was accused of being
involved in corruption and kickbacks. Henceforth, she lost the popularity in the public and
therefore removed from power in 1996.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN

Finally the government refused to carry out the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss 24 judges
appointed by the government which caused a political crisis. So BB failed to form a cordial
relationship with the judges of the superior courts as two pillars of the country conflicted with each
other. In addition to that the dismissal of the Chief Minister in the Punjab after he had upset the
PPP also attracted much criticism of Bhutto’s handling of the matter that posed a potential
threat to the law and order. So the law and order situation besides clash with judges and
political turmoil in the country resulted in her dismissal.

SAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE MINISTRY OF BENAZIR BHUTTO 1988-90 and

1

1993-96 CB – NADER JAN