Citation: Farooq, R. (2021). Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A.

Bhutto’s Policies Post 1971

Tragedy. Global Foreign Policies Review, IV(I), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2021(IV-I).06

Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A. Bhutto’s Policies Post

1971 Tragedy

* Rimsha Farooq

* Graduate, International Relations, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ascended to Power when Pakistan was bleeding after the horrors of the 1971
disaster. "Rotti, kapra, makaan” was also based on this concept. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came into power to provide
equality and to make Pakistan a democratic state, where every citizen is treated equally. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
had some great achievements during his regime which include the Shimla agreement, nuclear power, and the
1973 constitution. However, his trust in Zia-Ul-Haq was the major factor in his fall from power. This paper
focuses on Bhutto as a ruler, his achievements, his reforms, and his fall from power.

Key Words: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nationalization, Constitution, Power, Achievements, Down Fall,
Reforms, Religion, Opposition Parties

Introduction the 1960s. Bhutto was at that time the Foreign

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto along with his party Pakistan Minister of Pakistan and the army chief was
People’s Party (PPP), with its renowned slogan General Musa. Ayub Khan because of his busy
“roti, kapra, makaan” (food, cloth, shelter) came schedule gave the responsibility of army affairs to
into power as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, after Musa and likewise foreign affairs to Bhutto. Due
the disasters of 1971, when Pakistan was divided, to Bhutto's influence in the country, he became
facing challenges and cross-border tensions with close to General Musa and convinced Musa and
India. The PPP's main motives were: Islam is our the army junta to wage war against India and get
Faith, Democracy is our Policy, and Socialism is back to Kashmir. Together they launched
our Economy. When Zulfikar Ali Bhutto rose into Operation Gibraltar in Kashmir in early 1965
power the country was facing huge economic (Hassan, 2010). The purpose of the operation was
corrosion and was in its critical phase. Now let's to give tough time to Indians. Ayub Khan was not
discuss how Bhutto formed his political party and aware of this operation and as a result, India
came into power. After the war of 1965 when struck back. Pakistan could not resist more and
Ayub Khan was in power he was not in favor of also the armory and ammunition were running
Western democracy for his nation. At that time low. Ayub Khan came to find out much later and
Z.A. Bhutto became the blue-eyed man of Ayub was surprised. He wanted help from the West but
Khan because Bhutto was considered a very they refused. He saw his army could not resist
intelligent man. He was young and had the best more so he asked Russia for help and Kosygin
solutions for problems. Ayub Khan heavily relied agreed and managed to have a peace treaty
on Bhutto for foreign affairs issues. Because of between India and Pakistan in Moscow. Ayub
this Bhutto had a great influence over the Khan signed the treaty peace was made and war
President of Pakistan. During that time some of was settled (Ali, 2001).
the people thought of Bhutto as an Indian agent Bhutto angry and furious launched a campaign
because some of his land was on the side of India. against Ayub Khan and said that he had betrayed
Bhutto proved them wrong and left the land and the Pakistani people by giving the territory held by
his property and appeared as anti-Indian during the Pakistani army. So in a result and against
p- ISSN: 2788-502X e-ISSN: 2788-5038 L-ISSN: URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2021(IV-I).06
Vol. IV, No. I (Winter 2021) Pages: 53 – 62 DOI: 10.31703/gfpr.2021(IV-I).06
 Rimsha Farooq

Ayub Khan, Z.A Bhutto launched his own 1971 has three important players involved: Yahya
political party known as the Pakistan People's Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Sheikh
Party (PPP). Bhutto wanted to have an alliance MujiburRahman (Zaidi, 2019).
with Mujibur Rehman in East Pakistan, but
Mujibhas other ideas in mind. Z.A. Bhutto was
Creation of PPP (Pakistan People’s Party)
very famous among the youth of Pakistan at that
time because of his charismatic personality and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto launched his own political
his involvement in foreign issues and the army. party known as the Pakistan Peoples Party, which
Bhutto became so anit-Ayub that he began to have was focused on four basic agendas:
political activities that were against the  Religion- Islam
constitution of 1965. Ayub Khan put him and  Democracy in Pakistan
other leaders in jail and later released them. Ayub  Nationalization
Khan wanted to resolve the issue of Political crisis  Power (Ali, 2001)
and asked once again for help from Bhutto on the
issue but Bhutto refused it and resisted. Ayub Bhutto in Power
Khan when failed to control resistance resigned After the horrors of 1971 and the huge defeat
from power and Yahya Khan the chief of army Pakistan suffered Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came into
staff imposed martial law and came into power government as the first Civil Chief Martial Law
hence the constitution of 1962 was abrogated. At Administrator with his aim to pick up the broken
that time Mujib already gave his six points focused pieces of Pakistan. Bhutto's policies were based on
on: we need to have independence, we need to the nationalization of industries and financial
have financial powers and independence should institutes. The main focus of Bhutto's early
be given to the provinces. West Pakistan did not campaign was on poor class and labor rights and
accept the six points. During that time three that is how his famous slogan roti, kapra, makaan
major cyclones hit East Pakistan causing a lot of (food, cloth, shelter) was introduced. Zulfikar Ali
damage and killing thousands of people. In these Bhutto during his campaigns promised to have
situations, elections were held and Sheikh Islamic values, social justice, democracy (people's
Mujibur Rehman won a majority in East Pakistan government), and equal rights of laborers and the
and Bhutto in West Pakistan. Bhutto did not poor class to be the prime agenda of the Pakistan
accept the results of the elections and wanted to People's Party. Another major aim of his policies
install a single government or to work in groups. was to bring back home the soldiers India had
Yahya Khan announced the conference of the caught during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Zulfikar
National Assembly, but right before the Ali Bhutto came into power when Pakistan was
conference, Bhutto imposed a lot of pressure on facing a huge loss and people were morally
Yahya, and the conference was canceled. The damaged and lost. It was a great challenge for his
sentiments of the people of East Pakistan arose government and his aims were to morally support
and there began violence. Bhutto, Gen. Tikka, his people, give them support, bring back their
and Gen. Ahsan put pressure on Yahya Khan for confidence, and change policies and constitution.
military operations in East Pakistan. Military Immediately after being in power Bhutto
action known as "Operation Searchlight" killed addressed with nation through radio and
thousands and thousands of women were raped. television comforted them with his words assured
A lot of refugees fled to India. India took them that his policies would be for the people of
advantage of this situation and intervened in the Pakistan, and promised to restore democracy in
crisis and a proper war started between India and Pakistan. He further addressed how he wanted to
Pakistan in 1971. India took advantage of the end the suffering of Pakistani people and wanted
weakness of Pakistan and gave refugees to people. to see Pakistan thrive. He further focused on
Ultimately Pakistan had to surrender and rebuilding the institutions that had been
Bangladesh came into existence. The genocide of destroyed by previous rulers. Bhutto promised to

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Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A. Bhutto’s Policies Post 1971 Tragedy

derive policies that would be more focused on the it has to be checked by PM also. Without
common man and his rights and also to eliminate his consensus, no order will be imposed.
corruption. He elevated the sanction on the 4. Fundamental rights were given to the
National Awami Party (NAP) and wanted to start people of Pakistan.
forming a clean slate (Zaidi, 2019). 5. Independent Judiciary was given under
this constitution, and under this
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Regime Reforms and constitution, Bhutto became very
Challenges powerful.
6. Islamic provisions are provided in the
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after coming into power had
principle of policy, which means the
to face a lot of issues Pakistan was dealing with at
principles are not binding, they are just to
that time. Some of the major issues on the agenda
give ideas to the state.
were:
7. Pakistan as a Democratic State
 The return of prisoners of war and 8. The national language was declared Urdu
civilians. and English was the official language.
 The making of a new constitution for 9. Bicameralism was introduced, which
Pakistan. means there will be two houses of
 Recognition of Bangladesh. Parliament, the Senate and the National
 The Nationalization of Industries. Assembly (Zaidi, 2017).
 Giving Religion is a key factor in making
There were principles in the constitution that
policies of Pakistan (Hassan, 2010).
ensured that the country was run on an Islamic
system. According to the constitution, Pakistan is
1973 Constitution
a democratic state which means the government
Pakistan was the victim of hurdles and is elected by the citizens of the Nation. A
disappointments after the liberation of government which is for the people and by the
Bangladesh and there were also constitutional people. Basic rights were given to citizens of
issues. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after coming into Pakistan under this constitution. Some of these
power in 1971 discussed his priorities. His first are freedom of speech, movement, assembly,
task after coming into power was giving the association, business, speech, recognize religion,
Nation a new constitution. Bhutto's key reforms citizens being given equality, the right to grasp
apart from nationalization and socialization were property anywhere in the country, and security,
giving Pakistan a constitution that was based on and protection against slavery and forced labor.
democracy. After two years of struggle, through The constitution of 1973 recommends a
voting and gaining 125 from 135 votes, the very parliamentary form of Government, where the
first democratic constitution came into effect on Prime Minister is given broad powers as compared
1973, August 14, making Bhutto the very first to the President. The Prime Minister is the head
democratically elected Prime Minister. The of the Parliamentary system (Hassan, 2010).
constitution suggests a parliamentary form of
Bhutto made seven alterations to the
government. The constitution was Islamic. Some
constitution in a short duration of time. The first
of the key features of the 1973 constitution were:
of the seven was regarding Bangladesh. It was
1. Pakistan was given the title of "Islamic related to the acknowledgment of Bangladesh as a
Republic of Pakistan”. separate nation. At the time when the 1973
2. A federal system was introduced in the constitution was made the issue of the recognition
country. of Bangladesh was not resolved. So it was a
3. The parliamentary form of Government necessity to recognize Bangladesh as a separate
gives the PM of Pakistan every power and nation and include this recognition in the clause.
makes the president very weak. It was said So article 1 was changed and there was no chance
that whatever decision the President made

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 Rimsha Farooq

of East Pakistan merging with West Pakistan Assembly and also increases seats from three to
(Zaidi, 2017). five in the Punjab Assembly. First, the opposition
The second alteration in the constitution was was against this amendment and wanted to
related to the recognition of Ahmadis as non- discuss its advantages and disadvantages but the
Muslims. The movement against Ahmadies was government did not allow the. Hence the
first started in 1950 in Pakistan, leading towards amendment was pass
martial law in Lahore in 1953. The same type of during the absence of opposition (Bhurgri, 2002).
movement started during Bhutto's government in The fifth amendment was made in 1956. The
1970 and led to severe clashes between students aim of this amendment was to provide more
and Ahmadies at Rabwa Railway Station. This restrictions to the judiciary and to reduce the
severe situation catches the eyes of the public infringe of the judiciary into an executive circle.
through news causing the meetings of political Basically, this amendment applies more
parties such as Jamat-e-Islami, jamatulema-e-islam, limitations on jurisdiction. This amendment
etc. These parties demand the declaration of provides that there should be separate high courts
Ahmadis as non-Muslims. Under this situation, in Sindh and Balochistan. Bhutto’s main purpose
Bhutto called a meeting with the National in passing the Fifth Amendment was that, no
Assembly and talked about the issue. After organ of the state, whether its legislature
meetings, the National Assembly passed the jurisdiction or executive should interfere in each
second amendment bill in the constitution. other's sphere.
According to this amendment third clause was
The Sixth Amendment was made in 1977
added in Article 260, which clearly states who is a
before the fall of Bhutto's government. This
true Muslim. According to the clause: "A person
amendment was made to provide wider favors to
who claims to be a Prophet and does not believe
Chief Justices. This amendment was made for the
in Muhammad (SAW) as a last Prophet, such type
extension of the Chief Justice's terms beyond the
of person is not a Muslim" (Bhurgri, 2002).
age of retirement. This amendment states that the
The third amendment was made in 1975. This age of retirement of Supreme Court Chief Justice
amendment was related to the imprisonment of is 65 years and the age of retirement of High
the opposition. It increased the power of the Court Chief Justice is 62 years who have not
government by giving them the right to keep the completed their term, will continue to hold their
opposition in custody for unlimited time if they positions in office until the completion of the
were involved in some kind of criminal/illegal term (Syed, 1992).
activity. During the time from 1974-1975,
The seventh amendment was also made in
Bhutto's government was seen to be authoritative
1977. This amendment allows the Prime Minister
and biased. He wanted to punish his opponents.
of Pakistan to hold a referendum. Because PPP
The opponents were given no such freedom in
and PNA were not on one page (that is there was
this regard. The court was also on the side of the
a deadlock between them) Bhutto decided to
government causing more problems for
propose a solution in the form of a referendum.
opponents (Syed, 1992).
Under this amendment if PM fails to get the
The fourth amendment was made in 1975. The majority of votes he will have to resign from office
aim of this amendment was to limit the role of (Bhurgri, 2002).
jurisdiction. It limits the powers of the High
Court, by depriving them of yielding any bail to
Policy Reforms
the favor. This amendment made the High Court
helpless and powerless. Due to this amendment, Educational and Health Reform
High Courts were unable to provide favors and Education was also seen as a major part of
bail to political victims. This amendment allows Bhutto's policies, which promoted the
minorities to have 6 special seats in the National importance of Education, science, and

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Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A. Bhutto’s Policies Post 1971 Tragedy

technology. For example; it was in his regime that that were beneficial for the working class. Bhutto
many of the medical colleges were established to did not nationalize the industries of the
empower education related to health. Bhutto remaining category, because he wanted to
during his regime focused on many health maintain equality between the public and private
reforms as well. For example; writing proper sectors. He ordered the workers to work
prescriptions was declared important for every effectively in order to increase production in
doctor. It became compulsory for every doctor to industries and make them prosperous. After
give a proper written prescription to patients. making the announcement public of the
Educational and Health reforms during his nationalization of industries only management
regime were some of the great steps that he took was nationalized, ownership was not nationalized.
in order to make Pakistan prosper. Educational Soon after the nationalization of 34 industries
institutes like schools, colleges, and universities under 10 categories, Bhutto announced that there
were nationalized throughout the country. A would be no more nationalization of industries.
commission was formed in order to provide aid to But he did not keep the promise he made of no
universities and higher education systems, by more nationalization of industries. In 1973, his
providing all the possible aid to educational government also took over the ghee, rice, and
institutions they need in order to facilitate cotton industries. There were a number of
universities and other education systems. It was industries that were nationalized during 1973-
during Bhutto's regime that basic education was 1976 like in 1974 private banks were nationalized.
made free of cost to the common man who could Similarly, in 1976, more than two thousand rice,
not afford it (Bukhari et al., 2020). wheat, and cotton gins were detained. Due to the
nationalization of the rice, wheat, and cotton
Industrial Reforms industries level investments were reduced. This
As Bhutto promised the nationalization of approval did not involve the whole cabinet, only
industries during his election statement for the some of the bureaucrats were involved and the
benefit of the labor class, immediately after rest of the cabinet was ignored. A number of
joining the government he announced the businessmen and industrialists were affected by
nationalization of industries. At first, the party's this decision. Industrialization has a huge turn on
document announced the nationalization of basic the economy. Was it successful or not? The
industries, insurance, and banking. Later on nationalization of industries proved to be
January 2, 1972, he announced the ineffective because at first these industries were
nationalization of 34 industries under 10 controlled by people who had interests and
categories. These categories were: iron and steel, knowledge related to their work, but the
metal, engineering, electrical industries, motor government appointees and new management
vehicles manufacturing industries, tractor could not work as effectively (Coll, 2004).
manufacture and assembling, cement industries,
industries of public utility, gas and oil, and heavy Land Reforms
and basic chemicals. Only some of the industries At first, during the era of Ayub Khan and Yahya
were allowed to work privately, rest were given Khan the power of controlling the economy of
under government possession. Bhutto took the Pakistan was in the hands of twenty-two families.
step of nationalization industries so that the Policies related to land and agriculture were
common man could have benefits and stop the changed during Bhutto's regime. Some of the
absorption of the nation's wealth in the hands of policies were introduced during the Ayub Khan
a few dominant moguls. This policy was looked regime in 1959. He imposed ceilings of 500 acres
after by the BIM Board of Industrial of irrigated land and 1000 acres of unirrigated
Management. The benefit of this policy was that land. Bhutto in his 1972 speech wanted to change
it took power from the ruling class and gave these policies in favor of landless peasants and
authority to management to introduce policies

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 Rimsha Farooq

tenants. He later in his speech with his citizens lessen unemployment, increase manufacturing,
announced the change in these policies and and most importantly change the relationship
announced to lower the ceiling from 500 to 150 between property owners and lodgers (Gull,
acres of irrigated land and from 1000 to 300 acres 2014).
of unirrigated land. He changed other policies like
changing the water rate, announcing the equal Achievements of Z.A Bhutto
distribution of cost between landlords and Bhuttos Foreign Policy
tenants, and taxes were also changed. With his
famous slogan "roti, kapra, makaan", Bhutto was Bhutto was a charismatic leader of Pakistan. He
more focused on the needs of the labor class believed in making Foreign policy decisions
giving them benefits they never received before. It himself. He rarely involved the cabinet when
was during his tenure that people with less than making Foreign Policy decisions. After the
12 acres of land were allowed to not pay any kind disasters of 1971, Bhutto wanted Pakistan to have
of tax. It was during his regime that a pattern was good relations with superpowers, because the
adopted to give laborers monthly salaries. He also disaster had done a lot of damage to the nation.
ordered the retrieval of lands that were unlawfully Bhutto wanted to have a bilateral method of
occupied by the powerful sardars and feudal, solving problems instead of multilateral. The aims
especially in Baluchistan. He also ordered the of Bhutto's foreign policy were: to establish close
repossession of land from landowners without relations with Muslim countries and to create a
giving them any compensation and to be healthy economic order in third-world countries
distributed to landless peasants free of cost. by creating a new economic order, and the
Bhutto in his speech talked about the reason advancement of bilateralism. He believed in
behind land reforms. He wanted to end the unjust creating such a foreign policy for Pakistan which
and immoral system under which the citizens of will highlight the interest of Pakistan. Some of the
Pakistan especially poor people have suffered a lot important Foreign Policy issues were: issues in the
silently and for centuries. The main focus of his Muslim world like Afghanistan issues, the Shimla
government was on the poor and working class Agreement, and recognition of Bangladesh as a
and he wanted to establish such a system and separate entity (Coll, 2004).
bring about some policies that could end the
suffering of the people of Pakistan. He promised Shimla Agreement
to eliminate the rule of feudal and give back The war of Bangladesh and the involvement of
dignity to the rural class and laborers of Pakistan, India made the war Indo-Pak of 1971. This war
the dignity and respect he promised during his brought a number of challenges in Pakistan
1970 electoral campaign. The objective of his including the conflict with India. The defeat of
policy reforms was to lift the parameters, which Pakistan had made the citizens of Pakistan not
has been followed for ages. He said that peasants trust any government. Bhutto's government faced
have lived in poverty for centuries and it is time a real challenge in the form of the 1971 disasters,
to lift this quo and change the policies. He which led to the capture of Pakistan's territory as
claimed that the changes he made will end the well as thousands of civilians. This capture of
problems of the rural class from the roots and will territory made a lot of citizens homeless. But India
bring abrupt improvement in the economic and in this regard wanted more from Pakistan. They
social status of the rural class. Bhutto's speech wanted them to recognize Bangladesh, to have
suggested that although he wanted an increase in bilateral negotiations, and to give a place to live to
production through these change policies, but the Biharis, who were not accepted by Bengalis, they
primary goal was to free the rural class especially also wanted Pakistan to accept the line of policy
farmers from the rule of feudalism. In his speech of Kashmir and wanted to have no war agreement
he said that his land developments would break with them. Only then will India return Pakistan's
the hold of feudalism and bring wealth, it would territory and the civilians they held captive. After

58 Global Foreign Policies Review (GFPR)

Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A. Bhutto’s Policies Post 1971 Tragedy

this President Bhutto and Prime Minister Indira recognition of Bangladesh. There was a great
Gandhi agreed to have negotiations with each debate on the recognition of the Bangladesh issue
other. For this purpose, Dhar from India's side between Bhutto and his cabinet. Bhutto wanted
and Aziz Ahmed from Pakistan's side met and to recognize Bangladesh so he referred to the
developed a schedule for the meeting of Z.A. Supreme Court and asked whether it was possible
Bhutto and Indira Gandhi. Bhutto wanted as for Pakistan to recognize Bangladesh. With yes as
many views as he could, so he visited several an answer Bhutto opened his issue in the
Muslim Countries to bring them on the same National Assembly, where Bhutto and the
page with him. He also wanted the citizens of opposition had a great debate on the recognition
Pakistan to have his back. After a lot of struggle of Bangladesh and The National Assembly was in
and deadlock between the two governments favor of recognition of Bangladesh. On the
Indira Gandhi and Z.A. Bhutto finally signed an second anniversary of Bhutto's government in
agreement. The agreement that was made 1973, he while addressing the citizens of Pakistan
between President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indira says "the recognition of Bangladesh is not yet
Gandhi was as follows: confirmed, although Supreme Court and
 Both countries will resolve their conflicts National Assembly has the authority of
through bilateralism. They will solve their recognizing Bangladesh, but still I want your
problems through peaceful negotiations support in this regard. He further said, that the
and no one will act unilaterally in this recognition of Bangladesh is an important matter
regard. and that it has to be solved and Bangladesh has to
 India and Pakistan shall respect each other be recognized one way or the other". However, the
in decision-making as well as no country opposition was not in favor of the recognition of
will interfere in each other problems that Bangladesh. They argued that if Bangladesh were
is they will respect each other's privacy as to be recognized it would destroy the ideological
well as sovereignty and territory. foundation of Pakistan and will bring grave
 India and Pakistan both shall respect the consequences to the Nation. There was an intense
position of Jammu & Kashmir. There will situation on the issue of recognition of
be no use of force in this regard, and both Bangladesh and the release of prisoners of War.
sides have to respect each other in this India on the other hand killed some of the
regard. prisoners when they were trying to escape. It made
 Both sides agree on the extraction of forces India look humiliating towards the world. On the
from their respective territories. other hand, China in support of Pakistan vetoed
 Both the head of state of India and Bangladesh and its entrance into the UN, by
Pakistan will meet again later, in order to giving Pakistan leverage over India. It demands
discuss the future of Pak-India relations the release of prisoners of War if Bangladesh
and also to discuss the issue of POW and wants to attain its entrance back into the UN.
Kashmir. These negotiations went on for 10 days and after
 If both countries want to have good a lot of struggle and hard times, an agreement was
relations they will have to regulate made which was known as Delhi Agreement. It
communications, trade, and scientific requires the release of/
exchange between them (Gull, 2014). +f Prisoners of War, except the 195 who were
charged with crimes during the war. This matter
Recognition of Bangladesh needs to be solved in another negotiation. Later
on, Bangladesh decided not to punish war crimes
When the withdrawal of forces was over in 1972 and to release them, and slowly in 1974 every
the return of POWs was only possible if Pakistan civilian that was held captive came back to
is to recognize Bangladesh as a separate entity. Pakistan (Kiran, 2020).
The second most important issue was the

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 Rimsha Farooq

Nuclear Program his party. He thought himself to be the only

Another important issue was that India's Nuclear person who could solve the problems of Pakistan.
Capability was a threat to Pakistan. For this issue, During that time General Tikka Khan was also
Bhutto also started to work on the Nuclear close to his retirement age, and Bhutto wanted a
Capability of Pakistan. This program of nuclear man who was young and not senior because the
development was held top secret for a long period army was losing trust in Bhutto. He came across
of time. Pakistan wanted help from Iran in this the profile of Zia-ul-Haq and made him the new
matter, but the US found out about its nuclear chief of army staff. He thought that Zia would
program in Pakistan and perceived Pakistan as a obey him and would not go against him (Kiran,
threat. So in 1976, the US warned Pakistan to not 2020).
have Iran's help, if they did there would be Everyone blamed Bhutto for the fall of East
consequences in US-PAKISTAN relations, and Pakistan and said that another election should be
would stop providing military aid and economic held for West Pakistan and now East and West
aid to Pakistan. However, this program could not are two separate entities. At first, Bhutto was
be stopped as it posed a grave threat to the security reluctant and did not want elections to be held.
of Pakistan. Pakistan could not achieve nuclear The Military convinced Zia to take charge and
power during Bhutto's era, but Bhutto laid the impose martial law but he did not agree. The
foundation of the nuclear program and it was elections of 1977 brought a lot of hurdles and
completed in 1998 when Pakistan became a irregularities. Bhutto did not let PNA win,
nuclear power (Qadri, 2017). another tactic used by Bhutto using his FSF.
People were forcefully brought into elections so
The Downfall of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that the supporters from PNA couldn't find a
place to vote. The opposition party blamed that
Z.A Bhutto faced a lot of opposition during the
the elections were fixed and demanded new
1971 elections from Wali Khan in KP, NWFP, by
elections to be held. Bhutto ignored their
Baloch tribes in Balochistan. There was a lot of
demand, which made the opposition more
resistance Bhutto was facing from different
furious and angry, and started violence in
factions of society. The rising problem in
Hyderabad, Karachi, and Lahore. FSF was asked
Balochistan was ignored by Bhutto. Sindhi
to resolve the issue, but the finance budget was
Wadera on the other hand resisted the refugees of
too low as a result FSF was badly beaten and FSF
Mujahir. Bhutto facing all these factions, sided
dissolved. Bhutto tried to negotiate with PNA, but
with the religious community of the society,
PNA agreed to have fair elections, but PNA
because he could not afford their resistance as well
demanded the power to see the government as
(Sattar, 2020).
well. Bhutto refused and there was a deadlock
Bhutto wanted to manage this emerging crisis between the parties (Qadri, 2017).
and launched FSF another security force and
hired army staff who were retired, who did not Martial Law
follow laws and did not know how to do their job
properly. Political assassination became very In the light of all this failure of election and failed
common during the times. A lot of leaders from dialogue between the government and PNA posed
Karachi, Lahore, and Hyderabad were a threat to the Country and General Zia-ul-Haq,
assassinated. Abdul Wali was also the target but appointed by Bhutto himself and the chief of
he somehow escaped. Hayat Khan was murdered army staff enforced Martial Law in 1977 and the
during his lecture in Peshawar University and constitution was suspended. Zia-ul-Haq took over
Bhutto completely blamed Hayat Khan for his power in Pakistan and also arrested Zulfikar Ali
assassination. Bhutto in order to keep check on Bhutto and promised to have elections in
opposition arrested political leaders. He also October. Bhutto was released a few days after his
ignored the pieces of advice from the seniors of arrest and tried to spread hate against Zia and the

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Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Case Study of Z.A. Bhutto’s Policies Post 1971 Tragedy

army. Zia-ul-Haq was appointed by Bhutto, but he greed to stay in power and bring Zia-ul-haq as army
turned against him. Suspicion about Bhutto also chief of staff because he thought that his man
started among army officers and they believed that could not do him any harm. Later on
Bhutto was not worthy of having power in Zia was the person who imposed martial law
Pakistan. They perceived Bhutto as a threat and overthrew his government. Bhutto was a
because they thought Bhutto was the reason passionate and very intelligent man and it was his
behind the separation of East Pakistan and West passion and motives that led to an electoral
Pakistan and that he would also be the reason for victory in the 1970 elections, and eventually, it
the fall of Pakistan (Sattar, 2020). was his passion to resist opposition and to remain
in power and his overconfidence that was the
Bhutto’s Execution, End of an Era cause of his downfall (Qadri, 2017).
Bhutto was arrested and charged with the murder
of Ahmed RazaQasuri’s father. His trial was held Conclusion
in 1977 in Lahore High Court and after various During his power, Z.A. Bhutto had some major
hearings, he was proven guilty of the murder of achievements like the constitution of 1973,
Nawab Mehmood Ahmed Khan and was reforms including land, education, health,
sentenced to death. He was not given any right to making of medical institutes, and policies in favor
appeal and Zia did not allow the foreign help also. of the rural class, labor, and tenants. He also
So in 1979, Bhutto was hanged to death (Qadri, initiated work on a nuclear program to make
2017). Pakistan a nuclear power which was not complete
during his era. He had a strong motive of giving
Analysis power to the poor class of society, thus he made
Though Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started his election enemies with other classes of society. He came as
campaign with huge success and support from a leader of Pakistan, but eventually, he started to
young citizens and poor people in society after become a ruler. He had great success in the name
coming into power the early signs of of the Shimla Conference. But with the passage of
authoritarianism started to be seen. He did a lot time, he made a lot of enemies. He launched his
for poor people, laborers, the downtrodden, and own force known as FSF so that he didn't have to
tenants but he completely ignored the private deal with the army, he was not fair during the
sector and hence discouraged them and turned 1977 elections, because he wanted to remain in
them against him. He did a lot for the educational power and used FSF in order to win elections. He
sector but with the passage of time, his interests was a key player in the fall of Eastern Pakistan and
were seen to be given priority over people's continued to make mistakes during his era as well.
interests. Infect the constitution of 1973 was also There was a lot of political tension in Pakistan and
made in his interest. The title of Quaid-e-Awam everyone was against Bhutto. Zia-ul-Haq, in this
made him arrogant and proud. He wanted to run alarming situation, took the stand, and once a
the country on his own, even without the consent man close to Bhutto was now against him.
of his Party. His role during the fall of East Imposed martial law, threw Bhutto from his
Pakistan turned a lot of people against him, government, and took charge of the Nation. The
especially the army. He created his own FSF so provision of “roti, kapra, makaan”, the slogan that
that did not have to deal with the army. Another caught the eyes of citizens remains unaddressed
major reason for the downfall of Bhutto was his and Bhutto's era came to an end.

Vol. IV, No. I (Winter 2021) 61

 Rimsha Farooq

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62 Global Foreign Policies Review (GFPR)