Latest news with #ShaheedZulfikarAliBhutto
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Bilawal pays tribute to 22 brave Kashmiri martyrs of 1931
KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid glowing tribute to the 22 brave Kashmiri martyrs of July 13, 1931, whose blood marked the beginning of a resolute struggle against tyranny and injustice. He said that the sacrifice of the martyrs of Srinagar Central Jail is a timeless reminder that the spirit of freedom can never be suppressed by bullets. He added that those valiant sons of Kashmir laid down their lives not only for the right to speak, but for the dignity of an entire nation. The PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged that the Pakistan Peoples' Party, under the vision of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination. 'The legacy of July 13 lives on in the heart of every Kashmiri. We renew our commitment to their cause and reiterate that peace in the region is impossible without a just resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of its people,' he emphasized. Bilawal concluded by urging the international community to take notice of the continued human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and to play its role in ensuring justice, dignity, and freedom for the Kashmiri people.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh CM remembers July 5 as 'darkest day' in Pakistan's democratic history
Listen to article Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that July 5, 1977 marks the darkest chapter in Pakistan's democratic journey. On this day, a military regime ousted the elected government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, trampling over democratic values and public mandate. He said the removal of Bhutto was not just a political move but a direct attack on democratic principles and the people's will. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he added, gave political awareness to the nation, which dictatorships tried to suppress through force. مجھ کو مارا گیا، مجھ کو پیٹا گیا، مجھ کو سڑکوں پر جبرا" گھسیٹا گیا، کیا خطا تھی میری، کب یہ پوچھا گیا، مجھ کو باغی نصیبوں میں لکھا گیا، ہاں ! میں باغی ہوں ایسے منشور کا ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ کالے دستور کا ۔۔!! #5thJulyBlackDay — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 5, 2025 Shah noted that the Pakistan People's Party has always resisted authoritarianism with courage and commitment. He said the events of July 5 remind us to continue the struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy, and protection of public rights. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant, as threats to democracy and national stability still persist. Shah concluded by paying tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his enduring contributions and sacrifices. On July 5, 1977, military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew the elected democratic government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, imposed martial law, and suspended Pakistan's first consensual constitution. Read More: Black Day for PPP today Earlier in March, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civil award on the late former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, in recognition of his excellence, contributions, and remarkable achievements across various fields. In a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan—the nation's highest civilian honour—to the late prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, received the award on his behalf, marking a significant moment in the country's history. Historically, on March 6, in its opinion on a presidential reference filed by President Zardari, the Supreme Court admitted that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was not given the right to a fair trial—almost 44 years after the founding chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was hanged in a murder case. Also Read: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto honoured with Nishan-e-Pakistan posthumously A nine-member larger bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, announced its opinion. The announcement was also broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Isa read out the court's reserved written order, stating that Bhutto's trial in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and subsequently in the Supreme Court was not conducted in accordance with the fundamental rights and fair trial guarantees provided by the Constitution. The larger bench included Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Musarrat Hilali. 'The good thing is that the opinion on the presidential reference is unanimous,' said Chief Justice Isa before delivering the verdict. 'We cannot move forward without correcting ourselves—until we acknowledge the mistakes of the past,' he added.
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
July 5 1977 will forever remain a ‘black day': Bilawal
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that July 5, 1977, will forever remain a black day in the history of Pakistan—a day when the will of the people was seized in the clutches of a tin-pot dictator and the democratic journey of the nation was derailed by brute force. In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message on the 48th anniversary of the coup against Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's elected government, said that Quaid-e-Awam had given voice to the voiceless, pride to the poor, and power to the people. 'The coup on July 5 was an attempt to silence that voice, to crush that pride, and to reverse that power. But the dream lived on—in the hearts of the people, and through the blood of martyrs,' he added. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the dictatorship that followed unleashed a reign of terror, religious exploitation, and systematic dismantling of democratic institutions—scars that Pakistan still bears to this day. 'The seeds of extremism, sectarianism, and intolerance were sown by the regime that hijacked Pakistan in the darkness of that night,' he added. Chairman PPP reiterated his resolve to continue the struggle for the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto—a Pakistan where the people are sovereign, where the Constitution reigns supreme, and where no power is above the Parliament and the ballot box. 'The Pakistan Peoples Party has withstood lashes, prisons, hangings, and martyrdom—but we have never compromised on our principles. The struggle continues until Pakistan becomes the democratic, peaceful, and prosperous country that Shaheed Bhutto envisioned,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Bilawal reaffirms commitment to supremacy of Parliament
ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid rich tribute to the democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the supremacy of Parliament as the true voice of the nation. In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that Parliament is not merely a structure of bricks and stone—it is the embodiment of the people's will, the sanctuary of their hopes, and the guardian of their freedoms. 'Each elected voice in Parliament echoes the struggle and sacrifices of our people—especially the countless martyrs of democracy, including Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,' he said. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that strong, independent, and inclusive Parliaments are essential for peace, justice, and sustainable development. 'We must never allow anyone to undermine the sanctity of the legislature. The history of Pakistan has taught us that every time Parliament is weakened, the people suffer. Every time it is silenced, the nation pays a heavy price,' he warned. Chairman PPP called upon all democratic forces to unite in defending parliamentary traditions and in restoring Parliament to its rightful place at the heart of national decision-making. 'As a young democrat, I see Parliament as the place where dreams of equality, justice, and dignity for every Pakistani can be shaped into law,' he added. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated his party's resolve to continue the legacy of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who both gave their lives standing tall for parliamentary democracy. 'Let this day remind us that the Parliament is not just a chamber of debate—it is the beating heart of our republic. To protect it is our sacred duty,' he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bhutto is alive!
When we say "Zinda Hai Bhutto Zinda Hai," some people mock it due to their biased and narrow-minded thinking, oblivious to their own absurdity. These individuals are ignorant about history. They do not know that in political history, there have been several great leaders who have gained a lot of popularity, leading revolutions that altered the course of time. History has, however, discredited some of their political ideologies, rendering them politically irrelevant. These leaders rallied popular support on the basis of extremism and provocation, but the anarchy they created ended up destroying them-and their parties and followers. They included right-wing and left-wing politicians, nationalist and religious leaders, and even military opportunists. There are some political figures in the past whose ideologies continue to thrive and are very relevant today. They included right-wing and left-wing politicians, nationalist and religious leaders, and even military opportunists. There are some political figures in the past whose ideologies continue to thrive and are very relevant today. It can be said that they continue to exist spatially and temporally through their political thinking and approach. One such leader is Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He possessed a deep understanding of history and shaped his political vision based on historical experiences. Shaheed Bhutto's political vision rests on three fundamental principles. The first is that a nation's foreign policy should always prioritize the interests of its country and people. The second principle emphasizes resolving fundamental issues internally by ensuring the rights of deprived and oppressed classes, nationalities, and groups. This includes recognizing their right to resources, strengthening them economically, and granting them all basic human rights, including civil liberties. The third fundamental principle asserts that achieving the first two principles requires a long and patient democratic struggle-one that is peaceful, sustainable, and serves as a precursor to gradual progress and victories. The path of democratic struggle is superior to the path of destructive adventure or chaos. Adventure and chaos serve the interests of imperialist and anti-people forces, as they deprive the people of the gains achieved through peaceful democratic struggle. This is why such forces always fear those who choose the path of peaceful democratic resistance and make them the target of their oppression. The unparalleled sacrifices of the Bhutto family, along with the leaders and workers of the PPP, stand as proof of this struggle. The PPP's commitment to peaceful democratic resistance and sacrifice continues to this day. If Pakistan today has a federal parliamentary democratic constitution, a functioning democracy, and federal units with certain rights, it is due to Shaheed Bhutto and the Pakistan Peoples Party, which upheld his political vision. According to Shaheed Bhutto's vision, the PPP remains a people's representative party and continues its struggle. That is why Bhutto remains alive today. In order to acquire a full appreciation of Shaheed Bhutto's political ideology and vision, it is necessary to read his writing, interviews, and speeches at November 30, 1967, in the inaugural session of the Pakistan People's Party, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had laid out the "Basic Documents" he had written, which were later ratified by the party. These documents defined the party's key principles: Islam as religion, democracy as a political system, socialism as economic order, and the people as the final authority. To further elaborate on these foundational principles, Shaheed Bhutto wrote a comprehensive program for the Pakistan People's Party in April 1968. In this document, he remarked: "Pakistan is caught in a whirlpool. When we look back on the last 20 years of our national life, we see a dangerous trend that has emerged alongside international and subcontinental challenges. It would be unreasonable to assume that this crisis is merely a routine issue of the present era or a result of a natural process. This dominant evil trend must be reversed." A scholar and political leader like Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was born once in centuries. He viewed situations through an international and historical lens with a deep and insightful approach rather than a superficial one. When he founded the Pakistan People's Party, the global communist movement was at its peak, and socialist revolutions were unfolding. However, Shaheed Bhutto looked beyond the present-he foresaw the eventual outcome of these movements. Instead of advocating for a communist dictatorship, he firmly declared democracy as his political path-a vision that socialist states themselves would later adopt, but only after enduring great upheaval. He situated socialism not as a political one but as an economic system, clarifying this difference in the party's program and founding documents. Shaheed Bhutto had contended that capitalism in Pakistan was distinctly different from that of Europe and other developed countries. In all those nations, capitalism existed together with democracy and civil rights, while in Pakistan, wealth lay in the control of only 22 families that used the system for their exploitative ends. These elites resisted democratic rights, promoted dictatorship, and intentionally checked industrial development. They did not run their factories at maximum capacity, hindered future industrialization, and diverted state capital by way of loans, and averted the creation of jobs and drove the peasants to deep poverty. The foundational documents of the PPP did not oppose private investment outright but set clear conditions for it: "Private investment will be allowed only on the principles of ability, efficiency, and legitimate profit-making, not through the patronage of elite families or corrupt bureaucratic factions. Private investment will be profitable only to the extent that the working class is an equal partner in its benefits." Shaheed Bhutto was a staunch proponent of socialism but rejected the notion that it could be imposed through mere orders or dictatorship. He believed that achieving a classless and socialist society, free from capitalist exploitation, required a gradual, historically guided process. This transformation, he argued, could only be realized through democracy under a people-centric political program. Another great achievement of Shaheed Bhutto was not only providing Pakistan with a federal parliamentary democratic system through the 1973 Constitution but also addressing the sense of deprivation by granting maximum autonomy to the federal units. He also established a neutral foreign policy for Pakistan, which he elaborated on in his book Myth of Independence. He opposed sacrificing Pakistan's interests for the sake of American policies and consistently advocated for stronger ties with China. However, he also emphasized that Pakistan's national interests should remain the priority in its relations with China. Shaheed Bhutto provided each crisis with historically proven solution through emphasizing that people indeed hold the power. Shaheed was a firm believer in that, for in times of crisis, it was the only way to use as a panacea to reference the people. This is Bhuttoism-an idea that other ideologies have failed to surpass thus far. Unfortunately, Pakistan strayed from Bhutto's vision. Instead of strengthening democracy, the country was drawn into the power struggles of global forces, military regimes were imposed, and ethnic, linguistic, regional, religious, and even so-called political extremism was deliberately promoted to counter the PPP. Today, Pakistan finds itself once again trapped in the same destructive cycle that Shaheed Bhutto warned about in his book If I am Assassinated. After Bhutto's judicial assassination, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried forward his political philosophy, ultimately sacrificing her life to rescue the country from crisis. Now, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is advancing this philosophy, staying true to Shaheed Bhutto's words by forging connections with the people and aligning himself with their aspirations. Shaheed Bhutto remains alive and continues to lead because he chose to die at the hands of a dictator rather than at the hands of history. His political philosophy has stood the test of time, proving its relevance and correctness. Given the challenges Pakistan faces today, it is imperative to once again turn to the vision of Shaheed Bhutto. The writer is Sindh Senior Minister & Minister for Information and Transport, Government of Sindh
