HAFIZ MUHAMMAD AHSAN

20221-32183
COURSE: ECONOMICS AND FINANCE

Introduction:
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a prominent political leader of Pakistan who served as the
Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. He founded the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)
and played a vital role in shaping the country's political landscape. Bhutto's
political career was marked by both achievements and failures, making him a
controversial figure in Pakistani history.

Background:
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was born in Larkana, Sindh, on January 5, 1928. He was
educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and later at the University of
Oxford. Bhutto joined the Pakistani government in 1950 and served in various
positions, including Foreign Minister, before founding the PPP in 1967.

Main Body:

Achievements:
1. Constitution of 1973: Bhutto's most significant achievement was the drafting of
the Constitution of 1973, which marked the end of military rule in Pakistan. The
constitution provided for a parliamentary form of government, fundamental
rights, and a democratic system of governance.
2. Nationalization: Bhutto nationalized several key industries, including banking,
insurance, and oil, which helped to reduce poverty and inequality in the country.
He also introduced land reforms that benefited farmers and peasants.

3. Foreign Policy: Bhutto's foreign policy initiatives were aimed at strengthening

Pakistan's position in the international community. He played a key role in
establishing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and was instrumental
in securing recognition for Bangladesh.

Failures:
1. Authoritarianism: Despite his democratic credentials, Bhutto's rule was marked
by authoritarianism and suppression of political opposition. He imposed martial
law in Balochistan and launched a crackdown on political dissidents and
journalists.

2. Economic Mismanagement: Bhutto's nationalization policies led to

inefficiencies and corruption in state-owned enterprises, which hurt the economy.
His government also overspent on defense, which contributed to inflation and a
balance of payments crisis.

3. Rise of Extremism: Bhutto's policies towards religious groups and minorities

were inconsistent, and his government failed to address rising extremism in the
country. This contributed to the rise of sectarian violence and the emergence of
militant groups.

Analysis:
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a complex figure who made significant contributions to
Pakistan's political and economic development. His achievements, such as the
Constitution of 1973 and land reforms, helped to reduce poverty and inequality in
the country. However, his authoritarian tendencies and economic
mismanagement contributed to his downfall and damaged Pakistan's democratic
institutions. Moreover, his inconsistent policies towards religious groups and
minorities contributed to the rise of extremism in the country.

Conclusion:
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's legacy is a mixed one, with both achievements and failures to
his name. He remains a controversial figure in Pakistani history, with his impact
on the country's political and economic development still being debated today.