Section 3

Chapter 14
7 Marks questions
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Q1.Why did Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto come to power in 1971?

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto come to power in 1971 due to

Reason
Losing Power of Yayha Khan

Explanation
yayha Khan assumed power in 1969 as Chief Martial Administrator and President of Pakistan.
During his time period, situation in East Pakistan further deteriorated and an organized rebel
movement with the name of Mukti Bahini began to challenge the writ of government. The
unwise decision of calling off National Assembly opening session for the selection of
Parliamentary leader, the unplanned and misjudged military action against rebels and to defend
East Pakistan and showing sheer apathy to provide relief to the people of east Pakistan after
Bhola cyclone disaster contributed in worsening the east Pakistan crisis and its dismemberment
from Western wing.

Analysis
The unconditional surrender to India, humiliating defeat in war and dismemberment of Eastern
Wing were linked with the failures of Yayha Khan and led to his resignation. Consequently, it
give way to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to assume power.

Secondly,

Reason
The defeat of Pakistan Army in 1971 war

Explanation
In 1971 war with India, Pakistan army faced defeat, the East Pakistan was disintegrate and
around 93000 Pakistani soldiers become prisoners of war. Besides, Pakistan lost half of its Navy,
1/3rd of its army and a quarter of its air force.
About 5000sq miles territory of western Pakistan was also occupied by India.
Analysis
The Pakistan army was disgraced and blamed for this defeat therefore it lost power as Yahya
Khan was Commander in chief, Chief Martial law Administrator and President at that time thus
opened the way for assuming power by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Lastly

Reason
The Economic and political program and slogan of reforms by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Explanation
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) came into existence in Lahore in 1967 under the leaders of Zulfikar
Ali Bhutto.
The PPP's Foundation Documents and manifesto for the 1970 elections talked of transforming
Pakistani economy on socialistic lines, emphasizing that only socialism, the highest expression of
democracy, could create equal opportunities for all, protect people from exploitation, remove
the barriers of class distinctions and privileges, and establish economic and social justice. It
promised nationalization of banks, insurance companies and all major industries including
sources of supply of and means of public transport: land reforms with elimination of
exploitation of the cultivators, and strengthening of trade unions. Bhutto also promised to wipe
out poverty exploitation, and unemployment from country by providing all food, shelter and
clothing.

Analysis
His economic and political program of reforms not only made him popular leader of the West
Pakistan but also helped his political party to win 81 seats in 1970's elections. Therefore support
of general public and endorsement of his reforms by common people in elections paved his way
to setup his government.

Q2.Why did Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto fall from power in 1979?

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto fall from power in 1979 due to the blame of

Reason
Rigging in Elections of 1977.

Explanation
For the National and provincial assemblies Bhutto announced elections to be hold one year
before it's due time in 1970.All opposition parties made alliance in shape of PNA (Pakistan
National Alliance) contesting elections against Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.PPP got 154 while PNA won
only 36 seats out of 200.
PNA got defeat and refused to accept the election results as they put blame on PPP that they
Doctored the elections.PNA boycotted the elections of provincial assembly and demanded for
re-election. Situation became so violent and dangerous that army was called to control law and
order situation in major cities of Pakistan.

Analysis
The demonstrations turned more violent and political instability gave an excuse to army for
imposing martial law and arresting Bhutto.

Secondly,

Reason
Loosing of authority and weakening of Power

Explanation
Zulfiqar ali Bhutto showed weakness due to the demonstrations and pressure created by
opposition and religious parties. He surrendered against the pressure of Islamic fundamentalists
and to satisfy them Bhutto put a ban on alcohol, gambling and other anti-Islamic activities. He
also changed weekly off from Sunday to Friday. He also faced widespread civil disobedience by
the people who then demanded the implementation of Islamic laws (Shariat).

Analysis
The acceptance of the demands of opposition gave a clear sign of weakness to his power as a
ruler so this encouraged army to impose martial law.

Lastly,

Reason
Authoritarian style of government

Explanation
With the passage of time, Bhutto became increasingly authoritarian, ruthless and dogmatic in
running affairs of country as a head of the Government.
He became intolerable towards criticism and any kind of opposition and such move with force
like use of tear gas and live shots on opposition in political rallies.The misuse of FSF (Federal
security force) also made him unpopular.

Analysis
So these steps were disliked by most of the people and invited more violence as a result his
popularity lost and gave a solid justification for army to remove him from power.

Q3.Why was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto executed in 1979?

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was executed in 1979 due to

Reason
Allegation of a murder of his political opponent

Explanation
A case was filled on Zulfiqar ali Bhutto in Martial law regime that Zulfiqar ali Bhutto killed one of
his political opponent Nawab Muhammad Ahmed Khan Kasuri through
Federal Security Force.This case lasted for 2 years in different courts and finally from the
supreme court the verdict came against him and he was sentenced to death in a very unfair
judicial trail.

Analysis
So, due to managed all evidences against Z.A.Bhutti like Masood Mahmood, the than director
general of Federal Security Force, testified against Bhutto thus left no option for the courts to
execute him.

Secondly due to

Reason
Possible treason trial of General Zia

Explanation
General Zia disposed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and declared Martial Law on 5th July 1977, on 7th he
suspended the constitution of 1973.This step was against the Article VI of 1973 constitution
which could lead to treason case on Zia and under constitution the penalty of treason is death.
Analysis
To avoid possible treason case, imprisonment, death penalty and to avoid insult of military thus
Zia decided to execute Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Lastly.

Reason
Reasserting political authority by Bhutto

Explanation
Z A Bhutto was arrested on 5th July 1977 but released on 28th July 1977.
After his release Bhutto paid visit to major cities like Multan, Lahore and Peshawar where he
spoke to huge gatherings. He was clearly supported and pushed by people to reassert his
authority.

Analysis
Regaining popularity by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto thus made Zia fearful of taking powers away from
him thus ordered his arrest and reopening a murder trial against Bhutto which finally led to his
execution.

14 Marks questions
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Q1.Constitutional reforms were the most important of Zulfiqar Ali

Bhutto's domestic policies between 1971 and 1977. Do you agree? Give
reasons for your answer.
There were several domastic policies of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto between 1971-1977 in which one of
his political reforms take place in the form of constitution making.

Firstly

Reason
He established the constitution of 1973

Explanation
After the disastrous regime of Yahya Khan and Martial law led the country to its division and
Pakistan after losing war of 1971 was having no constitution.
This was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who drew up new constitution which was acceptable to all political
parties of the country.
The constitution of 1971 is heavily relied on principles of the 1956 constitution.Two houses
made and it supported parliamentary form of Government Government.

Analysis
Thus the political process and parties strengthened in Pakistan.
This constitution give Pakistan political stability hence said to be one of his important reform.

Secondly, the

Reason
Introduction of senate in the constitution of 1973.

Explanation
Was his another Political reforms . He introduced Senate as article 50 of constitution says that
there will be parliamentary form of
Government with two houses (bicameral legislature) namely National Assembly and Senate.
Under this reform ZA Bhutto gave equal representation to all provinces.

Analysis
Therefore it was an Important constitutional and political reform because it balances the
provincial inequality in the National Assembly and dispels doubts and apprehension, if any
regarding deprivation and exploitation among provinces. Besides, offered the opportunity for
professionals, academics and specialists to work together in Senate

However other aspects of his domestic policies were also important

Firstly, his educational/social reforms like

Reason
Free primary education and opening up of new schools

Explanation
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto introduced new educational reforms in 1972.
Under this policy free primary education was introduced and private institutions were
nationalized so that the
education could be imparted and class difference may be removed.

Analysis
Till that time half of countries children attending schools and overall official literacy rate was
just 25% so it was an important Educational/social reform to increase literacy rate and to
enhance academic standards for gaining economic strength in future

Secondly, his Economic/Industrial reforms which

Reason
Control the high inflation rate and Nationalization of industries.

Explanation
During Ayub regime wealth was concentrated in the hands of only 22 families of Pakistan.Due
to this private system of business Pakistan was experiencing high inflation around 25% which
was unsustainable for poor people so he Introduced the nationalization policy of Industries to
promote economic stability and fair division of wealth in the society.

Analysis
Therefore it is very important step because his brought inflation down around 6% and economic
growth also began to increase. However, his Nationalization policy discouraged foreign
investment in Pakistan.

Thirdly his

Reason
Health policy/social reform to
Explanation
control high infant mortality rate(Neonatal deaths)
Explanation
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto introduced Basic Health centers(BHU)and Rural Health centers (RHC) to
improve highest life expectancy and to control high infant mortality rate. This provided health
care to the doorstep of all the people of Rural areas. He also made it essential for doctors to
serve in rural areas for one year at BHU and RHC in order to make availability of doctors in small
towns and villages

Analysis
Hence an important Health/Social policy because it benefited the poor population of Rural
areas who were not having an access to the hospitals.This policy also ensured services of
doctors at the nook and corner of Pakistan so it was Bhutto's important health policy.

Another of his important Health/social policy was the

Reason
ban of sale on the Trade name of all medicine.

Explanation
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto imposed a ban as per Drug Act of 1972 on all pharmaceutical companies to
sell medicines under brand names instead of its trade name to lower down the prices of
medicines which were very expensive and out of range for the poor people of Pakistan.

Analysis
Thus an important reform because his health policy addressed the most neglected sector since
independence by making medicines available at cheaper rates. However, removal of brand
names from medicines discouraged Multinational companies to reduce investment in Pakistan.

Another of his important Agricultural/Economic policy was the

Reason
Land reforms and National charter of Peasants.
Explanation
According to the land reforms of 1972 Land ceiling was reduced to 250 acres for irrigated and
500 acres for unirrigated land so that the lands may be allotted to the poor farmers.It also made
compulsory for the landlord to pay water rent, agricultural tax and payment of seeds instead of
poor Peasants and tenants. National Charter of Peasants was announced in 1976 which stated
that state own cultivable land will be distributed among poor tenants to give them ownership
and a state of security.

Analysis
Thus was an important reform because Bhutto aimed to lay foundations of honour and mutual
benefit between the land owner and the tenant' along with modernization of agriculture.
Although, the influential landlords escaped from it by using deceitful tactics.

Lastly his Administrative reforms like

Reason
Civil Services reformation

Explanation
Civil service of Pakistan (CSP) was inefficient full of unnecessary rules and regulations and
corrupt.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took major reforms in CSP like Reorganization of Civil Service into smaller
number of levels, Unified pay scales and removal of old unnecessary distinctions between types
of Civil servants.

Analysis
Hence an important reform because he modernized and introduced efficient CSP system within
a shorter time span, he introduced far reaching administrative reforms that showed his
seriousness to change power structure through administrative reforms.

Conclusion