THIS is with reference to the article ‘House of Sharifs’ (Dec 24), which failed to acknowledge the transformative contribution made by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Pakistan.

The criticism of the nationalisation process is rather unfounded. Pakistan’s economy at the time stood devastated by the war in 1971, and was dominated by a few industrialist families.

The nationalisation process was aimed at dismantling monopolies and promoting equity. While not without flaws, the reforms were essential to addressing systemic inequalities.

The label of authoritarianism is another mischaracterisation. Bhutto gave Pakistan its first unanimous Constitution, estab-lished civilian supremacy, and empowered the common man. Bhutto’s decisive leadership was critical while facing entrenched elites and foreign powers.

Blaming Bhutto for the 1971 breakup of Pakistan is a gross distortion of facts. The roots of East Pakistan’s separation were in the decades of exploitation and neglect by West Pakistani elites.

Bhutto inherited a fractured nation and worked to rebuild it under extremely challenging circumstances. The true responsibility for the crisis rests with the establishment that ignored East Pakistan’s democratic mandate.

Bhutto’s foreign policy elevated Pakistan on the global stage. His leadership stre-ngthened alliances within the Muslim world, and laid the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear programme, securing the country’s sovereignty. His determi-nation to pursue nuclear deterrence, even at great cost, ensured Pakistan’s long-term security and independence.

The claim that Bhutto failed to deliver is baseless. He championed the rights of workers, farmers, and marginalised communities through land reforms, labour rights, free education and healthcare.

No revisionism can erase Bhutto’s contributions to Pakistan’s democracy, progress and sovereignty. His legacy continues, and will continue, to inspire the future generations of Pakistan.

Shazia Marri
MNA and PPP-P Information Secretary
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025