### Biography of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a prominent Pakistani politician who served as both the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is remembered for his charismatic leadership, political brinkmanship, and substantial influence in shaping the politics of Pakistan.
#### 1. Early Life
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was born on January 5, 1928, in Larkana, Sindh, in the then British India (now Pakistan). Coming from a wealthy, aristocratic family, the Bhuttos, he had a privileged upbringing. His father, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, was a prominent politician who played a significant role in local politics. Zulfikar was educated at Cathedral and John Connon School and later at St. Xavier's College in Bombay. He pursued further studies in the United States at the University of California, Berkeley, and then at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, where he studied law and developed an interest in socialism.
#### 2. Career
Bhutto's political career began early, influenced by his father's background and the political climate of the time. After completing his education, he returned to Pakistan and joined President Iskander Mirza’s cabinet in 1958 as the Minister of Commerce. When General Ayub Khan took over in a military coup, Bhutto served in various key positions, including Foreign Minister from 1963 to 1966.
His tenure as Foreign Minister was notable for his role in cementing Pakistan's relations with China and opposition to the war with India in 1965. Disagreements with Ayub Khan's policies, especially regarding the Tashkent Agreement with India, led Bhutto to resign and found his own party, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), in 1967, under the motto "Islam is our faith; democracy is our policy; socialism is our economy."
Bhutto’s real rise to power began after the disastrous 1971 war which led to East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. In the elections held in 1970, the PPP won a significant number of seats in West Pakistan. After the resignation of Yahya Khan post-1971 war, Bhutto was appointed President and later became the Prime Minister in 1973 following a new constitution which turned Pakistan into a parliamentary state.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
As the leader of Pakistan, Bhutto’s tenure saw significant and transformative changes:
- **1973 Constitution:** Perhaps his most enduring legacy, Bhutto oversaw the creation of the 1973 Constitution which is still the cornerstone of Pakistan’s democratic framework.
- **Nuclear Program:** He initiated Pakistan's nuclear program in 1972, ensuring that it became a central element of Pakistan's defense strategy.
- **Economic Policies:** Bhutto nationalized key industries and promoted economic reforms to enhance the growth of the manufacturing sector and reduce dependencies on foreign aid.
- **Non-Aligned Movement:** He was an active participant in the Non-Aligned Movement, seeking to forge a third path in the Cold War era.
#### 4. Personal Life
Bhutto was married to
Nusrat-Ispahani, an Iranian-Kurdish who played a significant role as a political activist herself. Together they had four children:
Benazir-Bhutto,
Murtaza-Bhutto,
Shahnawaz-Bhutto, and
Sanam-Bhutto. Benazir later became the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan. His personal life, though overshadowed by his political engagements, was marked by his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with people.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s life came to a tragic end when he was deposed by his appointed Army Chief,
Muhammad-Zia-ul-Haq, in a military coup. After a controversial trial, he was executed on April 4, 1979. His death was widely condemned and left a lasting impact on Pakistani politics, with his legacy continuing through his daughter Benazir and the PPP.