Benazir Bhutto 1988 - 1990 and 1993 - 1996

Benazir Bhutto, a pioneering political figure, made history as the first female Prime Minister of
Pakistan and the first woman to lead a predominantly Muslim nation in modern history. Her
leadership symbolized a significant breakthrough in a patriarchal society and set a precedent for
women's participation in politics across the Islamic world.

Key Highlights of Benazir Bhutto’s Career

1. Political Legacy and Rise to Power:

○ After her father was ousted in a military coup and executed in 1979 under General
Zia-ul-Haq's regime, Benazir Bhutto emerged as the leader of the PPP.
○ Despite facing imprisonment and exile, she continued to advocate for democracy and
human rights in Pakistan.
2. First Term as Prime Minister (1988–1990):
○ Bhutto became Prime Minister after her party won the 1988 general elections following
Zia-ul-Haq's death.
○ At just 35 years old, she became the youngest elected leader of a Muslim-majority
country.
○ Her government focused on economic reforms, women’s empowerment, and
education, but it faced challenges, including accusations of corruption and a lack of
support from the military establishment.
3. Second Term as Prime Minister (1993–1996):
○ She returned to power after her party's victory in the 1993 elections.
○ Her second tenure saw efforts to improve infrastructure and healthcare, but allegations
of corruption and governance issues persisted.
○ Her government was dismissed in 1996 by President Farooq Leghari amid political and
economic crises.

Significance of Her Leadership

1. Women’s Empowerment:
○ Benazir Bhutto's rise shattered stereotypes about women's roles in Islamic societies
and inspired a new generation of female leaders.
○ Her government introduced policies to improve healthcare, literacy, and employment
opportunities for women.
2. Global Influence:
○ Bhutto became an international symbol of resilience and democratic ideals, advocating
for human rights and opposing extremism.
3. Challenges and Criticism:
○ Her time in office was marked by criticism over governance, widespread corruption
allegations, and her inability to effectively counter the growing threat of militancy.

Exile and Return

● After being ousted from power, Bhutto lived in exile for much of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
● She returned to Pakistan in 2007 to contest the general elections but faced significant threats
from extremist groups.

Assassination and Legacy

● On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated during a campaign rally in
Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in a suicide attack and shooting.
● Her death was a tragic loss for Pakistan and the world, sparking widespread mourning and
condemnation.
Legacy

● Benazir Bhutto remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and democratic aspirations for many in
Pakistan and beyond.
● Her life and career highlight the complexities of leadership in a challenging political landscape,
and her impact continues to inspire movements for democracy and women's rights globally.

Accusations against her rules

Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and a symbol of democratic revival after
General Zia-ul-Haq's military rule, faced numerous accusations during her two non-consecutive terms
(1988–1990 and 1993–1996). While she was hailed as a progressive leader, her tenure was marred by
allegations of corruption, governance failures, and political controversies. Below are the major
accusations and challenges she faced:

1. Corruption Allegations

● Financial Mismanagement:
○ Benazir’s government faced persistent allegations of corruption, both domestically and
internationally. Critics accused her administration of siphoning off public funds and
engaging in kickback schemes in large government contracts.
● Asif Ali Zardari’s Role:
○ Her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, earned the nickname "Mr. 10 Percent" for allegedly
demanding commissions on government deals. These accusations severely damaged
her reputation and credibility.
● Swiss Bank Accounts:
○ In the late 1990s, Swiss authorities investigated allegations that Benazir and Zardari
held millions of dollars in illicit accounts, which were allegedly obtained through corrupt
practices.

2. Poor Governance

● Economic Challenges:
○ Despite her promises to revive the economy, her government struggled with mounting
debt, unemployment, and inflation. Critics argued that her administration failed to
implement effective economic policies.
● Energy Crisis:
○ During her tenure, the country faced significant power shortages and blackouts, which
hurt public opinion of her leadership.
● Administrative Weaknesses:
○ Her government was accused of nepotism, favoritism, and inefficiency in managing key
state institutions.

3. Political Infighting and Instability

● Strained Relations with the Military:

○ Benazir's tenure was marked by constant friction with the powerful military
establishment, which often undermined her authority.
● Conflict with Opposition Parties:
○ Her rivalry with Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) led to intense
political polarization and instability.
● Dismissals by the President:
○ In 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed her government on charges of
corruption and mismanagement.
 ○ Her second term ended similarly when President Farooq Leghari dismissed her in 1996
on similar grounds.

4. Human Rights Concerns

● Press Freedom:
○ While she promised to promote democratic values, her government faced criticism for
clamping down on press freedoms and harassing journalists who reported critically
about her administration.
● Extrajudicial Killings:
○ Her government was accused of using law enforcement agencies for political purposes.
Allegations of extrajudicial killings, particularly during her second term, emerged in
relation to anti-crime operations in Karachi.

5. Ethnic and Sectarian Violence

● Karachi Turmoil:
○ Ethnic violence in Karachi surged during her tenure, with clashes between ethnic and
political groups, particularly the MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement) and the state.
Critics accused her government of mishandling the situation.
● Rise of Sectarianism:
○ The sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni groups, a legacy of Zia’s rule,
worsened during her tenure. Her government was criticized for failing to curb these
tensions.

6. Ineffectiveness in Curbing Militancy

● While Benazir Bhutto was initially seen as a progressive leader, she faced criticism for being
unable to address the growing militancy and extremism in Pakistan.
● Her opponents accused her of either ignoring or inadequately handling the spillover effects of
the Afghan War, including the rise of militant groups in Pakistan.

International Perspective

● Despite these accusations, Benazir Bhutto remained a celebrated figure internationally,

particularly in the West, where she was often seen as a progressive, democratic leader in a
conservative and patriarchal society.
● However, the corruption allegations led to her exile in 1999 and hurt her international
reputation.

Legacy of Accusations

● Benazir consistently denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated and
orchestrated by her opponents and the establishment to discredit her.
● Her supporters argue that her governments were sabotaged by the military and elite political
interests who opposed her progressive agenda and leadership as a woman in a patriarchal
society.

While her two terms were marked by significant challenges and controversies, Benazir Bhutto's
charisma and vision for a modern, democratic Pakistan left a lasting impact. Her legacy remains
contested, with her being viewed as both a pioneer for women in leadership and a polarizing figure in
Pakistani politics.
Incident of Pacca Qila

The Pacca Qila incident refers to a tragic and violent confrontation that occurred in May 1990 in
Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, during the tenure of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It is a significant
event in Pakistan's history due to its ethnic and political dimensions, and it highlighted the growing
tensions between the Sindhi and Muhajir communities. Here’s a detailed overview of the incident:

Background
1. Ethnic Tensions in Sindh:
○ Post-Partition migration led to the settlement of millions of Muhajirs (Urdu-speaking
migrants from India) in Sindh, particularly in urban areas like Karachi and Hyderabad.
○ Tensions between the Sindhis (the indigenous population) and Muhajirs escalated over
time due to socio-political, economic, and cultural differences.
2. Rise of MQM:
○ The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a political party representing Muhajir
interests, became prominent in the 1980s, advocating for the rights of Muhajirs and
opposing Sindhi-dominated governance.
○ MQM's growing influence created friction with Sindhi nationalist groups and the
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Benazir Bhutto.
3. Hyderabad Divided:
○ Hyderabad, a major city in Sindh, became a flashpoint for ethnic conflict. The city's old
area, including Pacca Qila, was a stronghold of the MQM.

The Incident

1. Police Operation:
○ On May 26, 1990, the police and paramilitary forces launched an operation in Pacca
Qila, ostensibly to arrest criminals and control law and order.
○ Residents, mainly Muhajirs, perceived this as a crackdown on MQM supporters and a
targeted operation against their community.
2. Clashes and Violence:
○ The operation led to violent clashes between security forces and residents of Pacca
Qila. Security forces allegedly used excessive force, including indiscriminate firing.
○ Reports indicated that women, children, and unarmed civilians were among the
casualties.
3. Casualties:
○ Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that dozens of people were killed
and many more injured.
○ The incident caused widespread outrage and condemnation, particularly from the MQM
and Muhajir community.

Aftermath

1. Political Fallout:
○ The incident further strained relations between the PPP government and MQM,
deepening the ethnic divide in Sindh.
○ MQM accused the Benazir Bhutto-led government of orchestrating the operation to
suppress Muhajirs, while the government justified the crackdown as necessary for
restoring law and order.
2. Increased Violence:
○ The Pacca Qila incident marked a turning point in the escalating ethnic violence in
Sindh. It intensified the cycle of retaliation and violence between MQM supporters and
law enforcement agencies.
 3. Benazir’s Criticism:
○ Benazir Bhutto’s government faced severe criticism for its handling of the situation.
Human rights organizations condemned the excessive use of force and the targeting of
civilians.

Significance

1. Ethnic Polarization:
○ The Pacca Qila incident exemplified the deep-rooted ethnic and political divisions in
Sindh, which continue to affect Pakistan's social fabric.
2. Legacy of Distrust:
○ The event reinforced the MQM's narrative of victimization and fueled anti-PPP
sentiment among Muhajirs.
3. Human Rights Concerns:
○ The incident highlighted issues of state violence and the misuse of power by security
forces, raising concerns about human rights in Pakistan.

The Pacca Qila incident remains a painful chapter in Pakistan’s history, symbolizing the challenges of
managing ethnic diversity and political conflict. It underscores the need for inclusive governance and
reconciliation to prevent such tragedies in the future.