Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Era (1971–1977): Political Reforms, Nationalization, and the Fall
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Era (1971–1977): A Critical Political Transition Assuming Power After 1971 War: On December 20, 1971, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became Pakistan’s fourth President. He assumed control after Pakistan’s defeat in the 1971 war which resulted in the secession of East Pakistan. At that time, Pakistan was facing a critical constitutional vacuum, economic collapse, and a scattered geography. India held around 13,000 square kilometers of Pakistani territory and over 93,000 soldiers were prisoners in Indian custody. Dialogue with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Mujib was then in Pakistan’s custody. Bhutto offered him power and even tried to bribe him with $50,000, but Mujib refused both. Bhutto suggested a confederation model to keep some form of unity between East and West Pakistan. Mujib agreed to consult with his people and was sent to Dhaka via London and Delhi due to blocked air routes. Upon reaching Dhaka, Mujib rejected the offer publicly and declared the final split from ...