On Thursday, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the late former prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a “National Democratic Hero.” This decision followed a landmark opinion by the Supreme Court regarding Bhutto’s trial, sentence, and execution.
During the assembly session, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah tabled the resolution, hailing the Supreme Court’s opinion as a significant step that acknowledged the lack of justice and a fair trial for Bhutto 45 years ago, in violation of the constitution.
The resolution emphasized the importance of upholding justice principles and ensuring fair trials for all individuals, regardless of their status. It called for addressing past injustices, upholding the rule of law, and pursuing justice and accountability. The sacrifices of Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who fought against the unjust execution, were also recognized.
Furthermore, the resolution urged the Sindh government to approach the Centre to officially declare Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a “National Democratic Hero” and officially label him as a “Shaheed” (martyr). It also called for political workers and activists to be awarded the “Nishan-e-Zulfikar Ali Bhutto” for their sacrifices in the pursuit of democracy.
Chief Minister Shah, speaking in the assembly, stressed the need for necessary amendments to laws to prevent such atrocities in the future, given the acknowledgment of flaws in the Bhutto case by the Supreme Court.
The resolution received endorsement from various quarters, with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Member Muhammad Farooq highlighting the importance of giving sentences to democratic personalities based on concrete evidence rather than force. He also drew attention to the imprisonment of another former premier, emphasizing the unity of political stakeholders against undemocratic moves.
PTI-backed independent MPA Shabbir Qureshi expressed the view that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto contributed to national awareness, and his unjust death sentence served as evidence of the challenges faced by individuals fighting for the nation. However, the PA speaker closed Qureshi’s mic during his speech.
Ultimately, the resolution tabled by Chief Minister Shah was unanimously approved by the Sindh Assembly. A day earlier, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued its reserved opinion on Bhutto’s trial, stating that he did not receive a fair trial. The ruling received praise from politicians and lawyers, who considered it a positive and historic development.
