Zia-ul-Haq hanged Z.A. Bhutto in 1979

Question 1

What charges were brought against Z.A. Bhutto, and when did his trial begin?

Answer 1

• On 24 October 1977, the Supreme Court began Bhutto’s trial for the “conspiracy to murder” Nawab Muhammad Ahmed Khan Kasuri, the father of Ahmad Raza Kasuri, a former PPP leader who had developed differences with Bhutto.

Question 2

What was the outcome of Z.A. Bhutto’s trial, and how did the government respond to international appeals for clemency?

Answer 2

• In 1977, the Supreme Court found Bhutto guilty of murder and sentenced him to death.
• Despite appeals from many nations for clemency, the government upheld the Supreme Court’s decision.

Question 3

When and where was Z.A. Bhutto executed, and what was his stance on pleading for clemency?

Answer 3

• Bhutto was hanged in Rawalpindi jail on 4 April 1979.
• He refused to plead for clemency to President Zia.

Question 4

What political actions by Bhutto concerned Zia-ul-Haq after taking power in 1977?

Answer 4

• Zia initially announced elections within 90 days, allowing political activity.
• Bhutto attracted large rallies due to his charisma and threatened to charge Zia with high treason under Article 6 of the 1973 Constitution if re-elected, which alarmed Zia.

Question 5

Why did Zia postpone the elections initially promised, and how did this impact Bhutto?

Answer 5

• Zia postponed the elections to avoid Bhutto’s potential return to power, which could have led to challenges for Zia’s rule.
• Bhutto was re-arrested and later hanged.

Question 6

What are the conspiracy theories surrounding Bhutto’s execution related to his foreign policy?

Answer 6

• Bhutto leaned towards China and Russia instead of the USA and the West, due to their lack of support during the 1971 war.
• He refused to roll back Pakistan’s nuclear program under U.S. pressure, aimed to establish an Islamic bloc and suggested oil-producing countries use oil as a weapon.

Question 7

How did Bhutto’s foreign policy and nuclear ambitions allegedly play a role in his removal?

Answer 7

• It is alleged that Western powers, led by the U.S., did not want a Muslim country to have nuclear weapons.
• Bhutto’s ambitions and policies led to suspicions that he was removed through international interference.