Benazir Bhutto
Freedom and justice for all Pakistani's
Background
- Benazir Bhutto was born in Karachi, Pakistan, on June 21, 1953
- She was the oldest of four children to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nusrat Bhutto.
- Her parents were often away during her childhood, on her fathers different jobs within the Pakistani Government.
- Although her family followed Muslim religion, Benazir was educated at Catholic schools and was also tutored at home in Muslim faith, Arabic and non-religious subjects
- At the age of sixteen she went to the United States, where she studied a degree in government at Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- While at Cambridge, her father became Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- Between 1973 and 1977 she attended Oxford University in England and in December 1976 she was elected president of Oxford Union.
- In 1977 her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was arrested and General Zia ul-Haq over took over his government who declared martial law (the exercise of control by military officials over an area). Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hung after been found guilty of plotting to kill another political opponent, however the verdict was questioned by many.
Potrait of Benazir Bhutto
At 35 Benazir Bhutto was the youngest and first women president of Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto with her husband and children
Benazir Bhutto with her husband Asif Ali Zardari and children Bilawal Zardari, Bakhtawar Zardari and Asifa Zardari
Just before assasination
Benazir Bhutto was assisnated after addresing a large crowd of suporters. She recieved a gunshot to the neck and the the attacker blew himself up, killing atleast 20 other people.
Beliefs
Benazir Bhutto believed in a modernized Pakistan and a democratic society. She sought to improve human rights for everyone and the position of women in Pakistan. She worked hard to improve living conditions (especially in rural areas), education and health care. She was very passionate about doing something for the people and trying to give them a free country so that they could live peacefully.
Methods
My Opinion
I think that Benazir Bhutto was a very powerful woman who wanted the best for Pakistan. She fought very hard for what she believed in and was good at getting people to follow her. However I think that she was left to clean up the country's crumbling economy and lifestyle and she was also was under a lot of pressure from her opposing political parties. Most of her first term as prime minister was spent defending her party and campaigns.She was slow at getting things done and didn't like to waste time on things.However she quoted that that "I am not one of those leaders who sell lies and buy time. No leader, no dictator could do what I have done." In a male-dominated, Islamic society, Benazir rose up, after her fathers death, to fullfill his role as Prime Minister and fight for Pakistan. She became an iconic figure and was well-known around the world. On December 27 Benazir Bhutto was coming home to Pakistan after being put in exile by the current President General Pervez Musharraf, who's popularity was slipping, as people started demanding Benazir to be allowed back and be Prime Minister. As Benazir held a rally campaigning her new ideas for Prime Minister, she was shot by a suicide attacker who then blew himself up, killing another 20 people and injuring many others. Her death was filled with much sadness because many people believed that she was their last hope for democracy. President General Pervez Musharraf urged people to stay carm but Pakistan broke out in many violent, angry riots. Benazir Bhutto will always be remembered for her fearlessness and strong passion for Pakistan.