INTRODUCTION:

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to
1977. He was the founder of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which is one of the largest political
parties in Pakistan.

Bhutto's tenure was marked by political, economic, and social changes in Pakistan. He came to power
after the fall of military dictator Ayub Khan, who had ruled the country for over a decade. Bhutto was
known for his charisma, oratory skills, and left-wing political views.

Salient features of Bhutto Era (1971-1977):

• Nationalization of key industries:

Bhutto nationalized major industries, including steel, iron, and coal, to promote economic
development and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
• Constitution of 1973:
Bhutto played a key role in drafting the 1973 Constitution, which established parliamentary
democracy in Pakistan.
• Political reforms:
Bhutto introduced political reforms, such as the abolition of One Unit and devolution of power
to the provinces, to address regional imbalances and promote national unity.
• Agricultural reforms:
Bhutto implemented policies to support small farmers and promote rural development,
including land reforms and the creation of rural credit institutions.
• Foreign policy:
Bhutto pursued an independent foreign policy, seeking closer ties with the non-aligned
countries and distancing Pakistan from the US and Soviet Union.
• Nuclear program:
Bhutto initiated Pakistan's nuclear program, which led to the development of nuclear weapons
and made Pakistan a nuclear-armed state.
• Social welfare programs:
Bhutto launched social welfare programs, such as the establishment of the Benazir Income
Support Program, to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.
• Promotion of education:
Bhutto emphasized the importance of education and made it a priority in his government's
policies, with a focus on increasing literacy rates and improving access to education.
• Women's rights:
Bhutto's government was the first in Pakistan to appoint a female minister and to provide
women with equal rights, including the right to vote.

Drawbacks of Bhutto era:

• Corruption:
Bhutto's regime was accused of widespread corruption, with many allegations of embezzlement
and misuse of public funds.
• Authoritarianism:
 Bhutto's rule was characterized by authoritarianism, with widespread repression of political
opponents and the suppression of civil liberties.
• Economic downturn:
Bhutto's economic policies led to a decline in economic growth and an increase in inflation, with
rising food prices and a shortage of basic goods.
• Political opposition:
Bhutto faced growing opposition from the right-wing religious parties and the military, who
accused him of corruption and authoritarianism.
• Military coup:
In 1977, Bhutto was overthrown in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, who established a
military dictatorship in Pakistan.
• Execution:
Bhutto was arrested, tried, and executed on charges of murder in 1979, which led to widespread
protests and condemnation from the international community.
• Ethnic tensions:
Bhutto's government was unable to effectively address ethnic tensions, particularly in Sindh and
Balochistan, which led to widespread unrest and violence.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Bhutto's period was marked by both significant achievements and major drawbacks,
which had a lasting impact on Pakistan's political and economic landscape.