A Zulfikar Ali Bhutto leadership legacy seminar was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, where prominent speakers reflected on the former prime minister’s vision and political contributions ahead of his 47th death anniversary.
The event, titled “Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: Global Vision and Contemporary Conflicts,” brought together political leaders, academics, and journalists to discuss Bhutto’s enduring impact on Pakistan’s politics and foreign policy.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who presided over the seminar, emphasised Bhutto’s concept of strategic autonomy in foreign policy. He noted that Bhutto resisted aligning Pakistan with any single global bloc and instead advocated for an independent path. He added that Bhutto’s leadership style connected with both ordinary citizens and global elites, shaping the concept of an “awami leader” in Pakistani politics.
Former information minister Mushahid Hussain credited Bhutto with raising political awareness, particularly in Lahore. He highlighted three major achievements:
- Launching Pakistan’s nuclear programme in 1972
- Supporting Egypt and Syria during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War
- Organising the historic Islamic Summit
According to Hussain, Bhutto’s leadership enabled Pakistan to play a more active role in global and regional affairs. Other speakers, including Ahmed Shah, Mazhar Abbas, Sohail Waraich, and Raza Rabbani, also shared insights into Bhutto’s legacy and influence.
Separately, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro announced that Bhutto’s 47th death anniversary would be marked with Quran khawani and prayer gatherings across districts.
The main ceremony will take place at the Bhutto family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. However, the traditional large central gathering has been cancelled this year due to austerity measures.
