Adil Najam
Today is April 4, the death anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto – founder of PPP, President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, and one of the most iconic figures (whether you like him or not) in Pakistan’s history. He was hung to death on April 4, 1979, during the military rule of Gen. Mohammad Zia ul Haq. In this historic video, Gen Zia-ul-Haq explains and defends the trial of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
There is much, too much, in this video that is still pertinent today: the role of the military in politics, Gen. Zia’s promise of early elections, the role of a “free” judiciary, views on “justice must be done,” and so much more. Do please let us know what emotions this evokes in you.
For more on the life and death of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto also see our 2008 post on his death anniversary and a post of historic photographs of Mr. Bhutto during this trial.
Perhaps there is no justification to the death (hanging) of a leader, especially if it’s carried out on the orders of a dictator. Democracy does allow such acts, only if its backed by the parliament, but in this case no parliament was involved and it was result of the atrocities carried out by a dictator.
I think. So it is no wonder we see great tv shows under Zia–ANY other ruler would have probably done at least the same, u
@Meengla: Learn to give credit where it’s due. It would help to make your personality better.
Declaring someone’s action as “obvious” is not going to help you at all. We all know how that there were episodes of 50-50 in which govt was criticized, maybe it was not much as it’s now but we re talking about 80s. What could one do if zia would have censored entire TV?
Urdu Feature films to be shown on PTV for years because
I doubt what you say because I remember I used to watch Mohd.Ali and Nadeem’s movie on PTV on weekend. Were Cinemas banned in Zia era? I don’t think so. Everyone was working at that time.
As far as Fahashi is considered, are you saying Pakistani movies are not Vulgar? Or you are supporting vulgarity exhibit in Pakistani media? Have you ever seen current dramas on TV, atleast my family can’t watch such vulgar programs in a gathering.
I just want to curse when people of that time who made their TV career in the era of Zia now curses him. These are thankless souls,nothing else
A tragic loss surely for the country just like another big icon passed in 2008 December to the militants. We should learn lessons from past and try to cut down on militant activities in the country. It is only us the people who can raise voice and stop such actions which take human lives by going to extremes.
Zia,of course was a tyrant, but ZAB was the same too, he was one of the three(Gen Yahya, Mujeeb,ZAB) responsible for the bifurcation of Pakistan into two in 1971, he also introduced the bloody politics of getting opponents killed through police force.
We may forget But history remembers all
Pakistan has always been a victim of intolerant politics. This element of intolerance has also been passed on to the general public. The times have changed and as a nation need to say no to the intolerant syndrome among us.