BHUTTO's EXECUTION [7] Flashcards
1
Q
What groups did Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lose support from towards the end of his rule, and how did he antagonize the army and the West?
A
- Towards the end of his rule from 1972 to 1977, Bhutto lost the support of the labour class, students, and the press.
- He antagonised the army with his remarks and actions, and further annoyed the West because of his inclination towards Russia.
- Since Pakistan’s defence forces were heavily reliant on the West for military supplies, this shift was viewed unfavourably.
2
Q
How did Bhutto’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Islamic unity, create tensions with the West?
A
- Bhutto tried to form an Islamic bloc and encouraged oil-producing countries to use oil as a weapon against the West.
- This move angered Western powers, who saw it as a threat to their interests, and worsened relations between Bhutto’s government and countries like the United States.
3
Q
Why did Bhutto’s nuclear programme increase hostility from the West and the US?
A
- Bhutto’s pursuit of a nuclear programme greatly irritated the West, especially the United States.
- Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State, warned Bhutto that the US would make a “horrible example” of him if he did not abandon Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, highlighting the level of opposition Bhutto faced from major world powers.
4
Q
What led to Bhutto’s arrest after Zia-ul-Haq’s imposition of martial law?
A
- After General Zia-ul-Haq imposed martial law on July 5, 1977, Bhutto was initially arrested.
- Although he was soon released, he was later rearrested in connection with the murder case of Nawab Ahmed Khan, marking the beginning of his legal troubles under Zia’s regime.
5
Q
What was the outcome of Bhutto’s murder trial, and how did it lead to his execution?
A
- Bhutto’s trial continued throughout the following year, and on March 18, 1978, the Lahore High Court found him guilty of participating in a conspiracy to murder a political opponent.
- The Supreme Court upheld the Lahore High Court’s decision, and Bhutto was executed at Rawalpindi Jail on April 4, 1979.
