Karachi : The 14th death anniversary of Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the revered political leader and widow of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is being observed today (Thursday).
Born on March 23, 1928, in Iran, Begum Nusrat Bhutto served as Pakistan’s First Lady from 1971 to 1977. She was later elected to the National Assembly from Larkana in 1988 and 1993. Following the tragic execution of her husband, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, during General Ziaul Haq’s regime, she stepped forward to lead the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) through one of its most turbulent periods.
Her personal life was marked by immense sorrow as she outlived all but one of her four children. Her son, Murtaza Bhutto, was tragically killed in 1996 near his Karachi residence during the tenure of his sister, the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Her youngest son, Shahnawaz Bhutto, was found dead in Nice, France, at the age of 26.
Despite enduring repeated political persecution and unimaginable personal losses, Begum Nusrat Bhutto remained resolute, continuing her work in the pursuit of democracy and justice. She passed away after a prolonged illness in Dubai on this day in 2011, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh, Sindh, a site that also serves as the final resting place of her daughter, Benazir Bhutto.
In recognition of her lifelong fight for democracy, her resistance against dictatorship, and her efforts to empower women, the Parliament of Pakistan posthumously honored her with the title of “Mother of Democracy.”
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to her courage and contributions, noting that she stood firmly beside Zulfikar Ali Bhutto during Pakistan’s fight for democracy. He commended her unwavering determination to lead the movement even after the loss of her husband, and expressed that her strength continues to inspire the nation to uphold democratic values.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also honored his mother’s legacy, referring to Begum Nusrat Bhutto as a timeless symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to democratic ideals. He emphasized that her life and struggles continue to motivate Pakistanis, particularly women, to pursue freedom, justice, and equality.
In his message, Bilawal vowed to continue her mission of defending democracy, ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights, and advancing a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Pakistan, just as she had envisioned.
