The ‘Bhutto’ name symbolizes power in Pakistan. The family is seen as both a symbol of sacrifice and controversy due to corruption allegations. Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is the son of a former Prime Minister and a former President of Pakistan. There are allegations and charges of corruption against both father and mother. His mother Mrs. Benazir Bhutto is also deemed as a ‘Shaheed’ (martyr) in Pakistan after her assassination during an election rally in 2007.
The Bhutto family is one of the most prominent and influential political dynasties in Pakistan. Their history is deeply intertwined with the country’s political development, especially through the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which they founded and led for decades.
The Bhuttos symbolize liberal and populist politics in Pakistan. Despite recurring controversies and political rivalries, the PPP remains one of the major political parties. The family is seen as both a symbol of sacrifice, due to the assassinations of Zulfikar and Benazir and controversy due to corruption allegations.
Let us have a look at Bhutto’s family tree.
Bhutto is a Sindhi feudal family originally from the Larkana district in Sindh. They were landowners and held significant political influence even during the British colonial period. Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the patriarch, was a prominent politician during British India and later in Pakistan.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1928–1979)
Son of Shah Nawaz Bhutto, he was educated at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. Bhutto served as Foreign Minister under President Ayub Khan. He later resigned in protest after the Tashkent Agreement with India (1966). He founded the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in 1967, with the slogan “Islam is our faith, democracy is our polity, socialism is our economy, all power to the people.” Bhutto was elected Prime Minister in 1973 after drafting Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution. He introduced widespread nationalization and land reforms and is known for progressive policies, but also criticized for authoritarianism. Deposed in a military coup by General Zia-ul-Haq in 1977, he was executed in 1979 after a controversial trial for the murder of a political opponent.
Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007)
Daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, educated at Harvard and Oxford she became first woman Prime Minister of a Muslim-majority country in 1988. She served two terms as PM (1988–1990, 1993–1996), both cut short by corruption allegations and political infighting. She is known for efforts to modernize Pakistan and support women’s rights. Exiled in the late 1990s due to corruption charges, she returned to Pakistan in 2007 and was assassinated in Rawalpindi during an election campaign rally.
Asif Ali Zardari
Zardari is the Husband of Benazir Bhutto who became co-chairman of the PPP after her death. He served as President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. His tenure was marked by economic challenges, political instability, and controversy over corruption allegations.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Son of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Zardari he was educated at the Oxford University. He became Chairman of the PPP at age 19 after his mother’s death. He is active in politics, representing a younger generation of leadership. He also served as Foreign Minister of Pakistan from 2022 to 2023 in the coalition government.
