Section 3
Chapter 14
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
7 Marks questions
Q1.Why did Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto come to power in 1971?
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto come to power in 1971 due to Losing Power of Yayha Khan.
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. 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, The defeat of Pakistan Army in 1971 war. 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. 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 The Economic and political program and slogan of reforms by Zulfiqar Ali
Bhutto. 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. 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 Rigging in Elections of
1977. 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. The
demonstrations turned more violent and political instability gave an excuse to army
for imposing martial law and arresting Bhutto.
Secondly, Loosing of authority and weakening of Power 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). 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, Authoritarian style of government 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.
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 Allegation of a murder of his political
opponent 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. 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 Possible treason trial of General Zia 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. To avoid possible treason case, imprisonment, death penalty and to avoid
insult of military thus Zia decided to execute Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
Lastly. Reasserting political authority by Bhutto. 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. 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
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 He established the constitution of 1973 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.
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 Introduction of senate in the constitution of 1973. 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. 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 Free primary education and opening up of
new schools. 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. 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 Control the high inflation rate and
Nationalization of industries. 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. 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 Health policy/social reform to control high infant mortality rate(Neonatal
deaths) 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. 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 ban of sale on the Trade name
of all medicine. 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. 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
Land reforms and National charter of Peasants. 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. 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 Civil Services reformation 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. 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: ______________________________________________
Q2.How successful were Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's domestic policies between 1972-77?
Explain your answer.
There were several successes and failures of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's policies in which
few successes are as follow.
Firstly the
Success in Drafting of 2973 constitution. During Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's tenure, the new
constitution was drafted in 1973. In this Constitution bicameral legislature in the
shape of two houses the National Assembly (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper
House) was introduced.The National Assembly had 200 members who were elected
by direct adult franchise. While Senate had 63 members representing Four provinces
(14 seats to each province) Tribal Areas (5 seats) and Federal Capital (2 seats). It was
a success because making of both houses to pass any bill was to provide equal
opportunity of law making process to each province Hence to be conciderd as a
success.
Secondly, the introduction of Health Care Scheme In 1970s, Pakistan had one of the
highest infant mortality rates in the world. Besides, it had the lowest average age
expectancy as compared to India or Sri.In August 1972, Bhutto launched his
healthcare schemes in Pakistan. Under this scheme, he introduced Rural Health
Centers in and Basic Health centers in Pakistan which provided health care to the
doorsteps to the people.Furthermore, the training of doctors and nurses was also
given focus. The doctors, after getting degree, could be assigned duty at any village
assigned by government. The access of providing good quality health care for
common people throughout Pakistan and uplifting the poor state of health care
facilities therefore, could be considered a success of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Thirdly, the introduction of Education Scheme In March 1972, the new Education
Reform was introduced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the basic purpose of this reform was
to provide free and education up to class (10th) to all people of Pakistan. To achieve
the target 400 colleges and several schools were nationalized in Punjab and Sindh
provinces Furthermore, several attempts were made to give due respect to teachers
in society. Infact, during that time period, Pakistan had 25% literacy rate and nearly
half of children of Pakistan were not attending schools. To make education free and
accessible to all and to remove discrimination from educational field and alleviating
the social status of teachers, therefore, were considered as success of Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto' policy.
However there were some failures of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's policies as well like
Firstly,the Ban on Pharmaceutical Companies In order to reduce the cost of drugs, a
Drug Act was enacted in 1972 which prohibited the manufacturing and import of any
drug under brand name. No doubt, it brought down prices of medicines and ensured
its accessibility to all. But this only reduced the profit of chemists but also affected
severely the business of pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, a number of foreign
companies wound up their business in Pakistan. It also barred new international
pharmaceutical companies to set up their business here. It created a gap in this
business which was filled by the local unknown companies with substandard and
dangerous substitutes. Thus could be considered a failure of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's
health policy
Secondly,the Fallout of Education Scheme No doubt aggressive and ambitious policy
making was gone to improve education standard and literacy rate in Pakistan
thorough compulsory and free elementary education to all. Besides, the
nationalization of private schools was initiated to provide equal education without
class difference However, the fact is that the overall education system faced
downgrading because free education made classes overcrowded, new schools and
colleges were needed to be built to adjust new admissions and all this required
trained teachers and financial resources which were almost unavailable. Sending
children at schools reduced the family income of poor families and farming
communities caused dissatisfaction among these classes. It was therefore that the
desirable result of this ambitious educational scheme could not be achieved, so it
turned out to be a failure.
Lastly,the Abuse of Power by Federal Security Force (FSF) Upon the strike of Police
force in 1972, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto decided to form FSF,which was fully Equipped with
modern arms and it had strong 15000 personnels. It was stationed all over county
and its main objective was to assist police force in maintaining law and order
situation,and to provide security to political activities like political meetings and
rallies. It was under the direct control of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. But, later this
organization was used to suppress political opponents. For instance, it was blamed
of the killing of Nawab Muhammad Ahmed Khan Kasuri in 1974. In 1972, it was also
blamed on the killing of Dr. Nazir Ahmed, a vocal and outspoken critic of Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto's policies belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami. So the use of brute force against
political opponents, registering false cases on political workers and activities on the
bases of FSF's investigation and killing of political leaders by FSF, were the steps
which made it the most dreaded organization of its time thus proved to be a failure
of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto security policy.
Conclusion: ______________________________________________
