Bhutto Family. Preserving the Legacy Why the Bhutto Family Must Stay United for Pakistan’s Democracy.

Preserving the Legacy Why the Bhutto Family Must Stay United for Pakistan’s Democracy.

The Bhutto family is no ordinary political dynasty — it is a symbol of resistance, sacrifice, and the democratic struggle of Pakistan. From the gallows of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, this family has paid the ultimate price for the survival of parliamentary democracy in the country. Today, as the torch passes to a new generation, a vital question arises: will the Bhutto family remain united, or will internal fragmentation weaken their shared legacy?

A History Forged in Sacrifice

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), emerged as a visionary leader after breaking away from military-backed authoritarianism. His defiance of superpowers, particularly his act of tearing apart the United Nations Security Council resolution following India’s invasion of East Pakistan in 1971, established him as a fierce nationalist.

He laid the foundation of:

• The Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore (1974), where leaders of the Islamic world gathered to forge unity.

• The concept of an Islamic Economic Order, which included the idea of an Islamic Development Bank.

• A new Constitution (1973), which remains Pakistan’s foundational legal framework for democracy.

His judicial execution in 1979 by a military regime was widely seen as a “judicial murder,” a stain on Pakistan’s democratic journey.

Benazir Bhutto: The Flame That Carried On

Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim-majority country, carried her father’s democratic vision with resilience. Despite facing constant challenges from military rulers and conservative forces, she introduced progressive reforms and empowered marginalized communities.

Her assassination in 2007 was not only a national tragedy but a turning point that reignited democratic discourse across the country.

The Post-Benazir Era: Zardari and the Next Generation

Asif Ali Zardari, though controversial, stabilized the PPP and successfully completed a full democratic term — a rarity in Pakistan’s turbulent history. He oversaw the passing of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which restored parliamentary sovereignty and provincial autonomy.

His son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is now a prominent national leader. As Foreign Minister, he has elevated Pakistan’s diplomatic standing, particularly within multilateral forums like the UN and OIC. His sister, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, is also stepping into politics with increasing public engagement.

The Dilemma of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr., son of Mir Murtaza Bhutto, represents a different legacy — one that carries the revolutionary spirit of his martyred father. He is known for his intellectual depth and humanitarian work. Yet, he remains outside mainstream politics.

The political divide between the children of Benazir and those of Murtaza Bhutto has long haunted the PPP. However, this divide must end.

It is time for unity, not division.

Why Unity Matters

If the Bhutto family fails to unite:

• Opponents — both internal and external — will exploit the fragmentation.

• The PPP risks losing its historical identity and credibility as the voice of the common people.

• Pakistan’s democratic evolution may suffer, as no other family has contributed so selflessly to its survival.

A Strategic Alliance: Marriage and Politics

As some have rightly suggested, a symbolic and strategic marriage between Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr. could revive national unity within the Bhutto camp. More importantly, it could:

• Bridge historical rifts within the family.

• Solidify the PPP as a unified democratic force.

• Revive national and international confidence in Pakistan’s democratic future.

Zulfiqar Jr. would not need to walk the long and uncertain road of launching a new party. Instead, he can strengthen the Bhutto banner under which his grandfather and father sacrificed everything.

The Way Forward

The Bhutto family is more than just a political dynasty — it is a pillar of democratic resistance. It is essential that all members recognize the gravity of the moment. Zulfiqar Jr. must step forward, not in opposition, but as a unifier. The PPP, under Bilawal and Aseefa, must embrace this opportunity for reconciliation.

The dream of a democratic, united, progressive Pakistan demands no less.