Bowing to international pressure, President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto releases Bengali leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from prison, who had been arrested after declaring the independence of Bangladesh.

The President of Pakistan: A Ceremonial Head of State and Symbol of National Unity

The office of the President of Pakistan, officially known as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Urdu: صدر پاکستان, romanized: s̤adr-i Pākiṣṭān), embodies the nation's sovereignty and serves as its ceremonial head of state. Beyond this symbolic role, the President also holds the crucial position of commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces, overseeing the country's military establishment.

Evolution of the Presidency: From Powerhouse to Ceremonial Role

The journey of the Pakistani presidency has been marked by significant shifts in its constitutional authority. The office was formally established upon the proclamation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956. This historic date saw the then-serving Governor-General, Iskander Mirza, assume the mantle as the inaugural President.

However, the balance of power dramatically shifted following the 1958 coup d'état. This event led to the abolition of the prime ministerial office, consolidating unprecedented executive authority within the presidency, effectively making it the most powerful position in the country. This concentration of power was further cemented with the adoption of the 1962 Constitution, which transformed Pakistan into a presidential republic, vesting all executive powers directly in the President.

A pivotal change occurred in 1973 with the promulgation of a new Constitution. This landmark document enshrined a parliamentary democracy, fundamentally redefining the President's role to a largely ceremonial one, with the Prime Minister assuming the chief executive functions. Nevertheless, this constitutional arrangement faced a reversal following the military takeover in 1977. The subsequent 8th Amendment, enacted in 1985, restructured Pakistan into a semi-presidential republic. During the period between 1985 and 2010, executive power was thus shared between the President and the Prime Minister, creating a dual leadership structure. The 18th Amendment, passed in 2010, marked another significant constitutional milestone, definitively restoring full parliamentary democracy in Pakistan and firmly reinstating the presidency as a ceremonial position once more.

Roles and Responsibilities: Powers and Limitations

Despite being the head of state and commander-in-chief, the Constitution of Pakistan strictly prohibits the President from directly administering the government. Instead, the executive authority is exercised on the President's behalf by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is constitutionally obligated to keep the President fully informed on all critical matters of internal and foreign policy, as well as all legislative proposals being considered by the government.

Nonetheless, the Constitution explicitly vests the President with specific, significant powers. These include the authority to grant pardons and reprieves, offering clemency to convicted individuals. Furthermore, the President maintains control over the military establishment. However, a critical nuance lies in the appointments to higher commands within the military; such appointments must be made by the President on a "required and necessary" basis, only after thorough consultation with and approval from the Prime Minister, ensuring checks and balances in military leadership decisions.

Election and Constitutional Requirements

The President of Pakistan is not directly elected by popular vote but rather through an indirect election process by the Electoral College for a five-year term. This Electoral College comprises members of both houses of the Parliament (the National Assembly and the Senate) and the members of the four provincial assemblies.

To be eligible for the office, the Constitution stipulates that the President must be a "Muslim of not less than forty-five (45) years of age." The official residence of the President is a grand estate situated in the capital city of Islamabad, famously known as Aiwan-e-Sadar, or the President's House. In the event of the President's absence or incapacitation, the Chairman of the Senate temporarily assumes the responsibilities of the post, ensuring continuity of the office until the actual President resumes duties or a new office holder is duly elected.

List of Presidents

Since its inception in 1956, Pakistan has seen a total of 13 individuals serve as its President. The inaugural President, Iskander Ali Mirza, took office on 23 March 1956. The current office holder is Dr. Arif Alvi, who assumed charge on 9 September 2018, following his victory in the 2018 presidential elections.

Frequently Asked Questions About the President of Pakistan

What is the official title of the President of Pakistan?
The official title is the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, also known as Sadr-i Pākistān in Urdu.
What are the primary roles of the President of Pakistan?
The President serves as the ceremonial head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
How has the President's power evolved since 1956?
Initially powerful after the 1958 coup and during the 1962 Presidential Republic, the role became largely ceremonial after the 1973 Constitution established parliamentary democracy. It briefly regained some executive powers under the 8th Amendment (1985-2010) as part of a semi-presidential system, before returning to a purely ceremonial role with the 18th Amendment in 2010.
Who elects the President of Pakistan?
The President is indirectly elected by the Electoral College, which consists of members from the National Assembly, the Senate, and the four provincial assemblies.
What are the constitutional requirements for becoming President?
A candidate must be a Muslim and not less than forty-five (45) years of age.
Where does the President of Pakistan reside?
The President resides in Aiwan-e-Sadar, also known as the President's House, located in Islamabad.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: A Defining Figure in Pakistani Politics

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (5 January 1928 – 4 April 1979) was an eminent Pakistani barrister and a towering figure in the nation's political landscape. His impactful career saw him serve as the ninth Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, as the fourth President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. A pivotal achievement of his government was the drafting and unanimous approval of the 1973 Constitution, which remains the foundational legal document of Pakistan today. Bhutto was also the visionary founder of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a major political force, and served as its chairman until his controversial execution in 1979.

Early Life and Political Ascendancy

Born in modern-day Sindh, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto received a distinguished education, studying at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford. He further honed his legal acumen as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in London before embarking on his political journey. His early career saw him enter politics as a cabinet member under President Iskander Mirza. During the military rule of President Ayub Khan, which began in 1958, Bhutto was assigned several key ministries, rapidly rising through the ranks. His diplomatic skills led to his appointment as Foreign Minister in 1963, a position from which he significantly influenced Pakistan's international relations.

Foreign Policy and the Road to War (1965)

As Foreign Minister, Bhutto became a vocal proponent of "Operation Gibraltar," a covert military initiative aimed at infiltrating Indian-administered Kashmir in 1965. This operation subsequently escalated into the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Following the cessation of hostilities, the Tashkent Agreement was signed in 1966 between India and Pakistan to restore peaceful relations. However, Bhutto publicly expressed strong reservations about the agreement, leading to a significant fallout with President Ayub Khan and his eventual dismissal from the government. This period marked a turning point, as Bhutto then channeled his political ambitions towards establishing his own party.

Founding the PPP and the 1970 Elections

In 1967, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on a distinctly socialist platform, promising "Roti, Kapra, aur Makaan" (Bread, Clothes, and Shelter) to the masses. The PPP rapidly gained popularity, particularly in West Pakistan, by advocating for social justice, economic equality, and a strong national identity. Bhutto led the PPP to contest the general elections held by President Yahya Khan in 1970. While the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, secured an overall majority of seats nationwide, primarily in East Pakistan, the PPP emerged with a majority of seats exclusively in West Pakistan, where the Awami League did not win any seats. This regional split in the mandate created an unprecedented political deadlock.

The Crisis of 1971 and the Creation of Bangladesh

The 1970 election results presented a formidable challenge: the two leading parties, the Awami League and the PPP, were unable to agree on a framework for power transfer and a new constitution. A major point of contention was the Awami League's Six Point Movement, which advocated for greater autonomy for East Pakistan. This movement was viewed with suspicion by many in West Pakistan, including President Yahya Khan and Z. A. Bhutto, who interpreted it as a divisive agenda that could lead to the disintegration of the country. The stubborn refusal by both Bhutto and Yahya Khan to accept a Bengali leader as the Prime Minister of Pakistan exacerbated tensions, fueling widespread uprisings and movements for independence in East Pakistan. In response, the Pakistani Army, acting under Yahya Khan's orders and with the support of Bhutto, initiated a severe crackdown. These events tragically culminated in the Bangladesh Liberation War in December 1971, which saw Pakistan suffer a decisive military defeat at the hands of Bangladesh-allied India, leading to the creation of an independent Bangladesh.

Leadership Post-1971: Rebuilding and Reforms

In the wake of the devastating 1971 war and Pakistan's fragmentation, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assumed the presidency in December 1971 and promptly imposed emergency rule to stabilize the shattered nation. Faced with monumental challenges, he declared his intent to "rebuild confidence and rebuild hope for the future" of Pakistan. By July 1972, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic prowess, Bhutto successfully negotiated the Simla Agreement with India, securing the return of 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war and approximately 5,000 square miles of Indian-held territory. Internationally, he strengthened Pakistan's ties with crucial allies like China and Saudi Arabia and extended formal recognition to Bangladesh. His diplomatic achievements also included hosting the influential second Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in Lahore in 1974, significantly boosting Pakistan's standing in the Muslim world.

Domestically, Bhutto's reign saw the parliament unanimously approve a new constitution in 1973, a testament to his political acumen and consensus-building. Upon its promulgation, he appointed Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry as President and transitioned to the newly empowered office of Prime Minister. He is also widely credited with playing an integral and foundational role in initiating Pakistan's clandestine nuclear program, a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the nation's defense capabilities.

Domestic Policies and Growing Dissension

Bhutto's economic policy centered on large-scale nationalization, bringing much of Pakistan's fledgling industries, including banking, insurance, and heavy industries, as well as healthcare and educational institutions, under state control. While intended to reduce economic disparity and promote socialist ideals, this policy was ultimately met with significant economic stagnation and inefficiency. Furthermore, his decision to dissolve provincial feudal governments in Balochistan was met with severe unrest, prompting Bhutto to order an army operation in the province in 1973, which tragically resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and further inflamed regional tensions.

The 1977 Elections, Coup, and Tragic End

Despite rising civil disorder and discontent, the Pakistan People's Party secured a wide margin of victory in the parliamentary elections held in 1977. However, the opposition parties alleged widespread vote rigging, leading to nationwide protests and escalating violence. On 5 July of that same year, Bhutto's government was dramatically deposed in a military coup d'état orchestrated by his appointed army chief, General Zia-ul-Haq. Bhutto was subsequently arrested and, in a highly controversial trial, convicted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan for allegedly authorizing the murder of a political opponent. He was executed on 4 April 1979, an event that continues to spark debate and controversy to this day.

Enduring Legacy and Political Dynasty

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto remains a profoundly contentious figure in Pakistani history. He is widely hailed for his fervent nationalism, his advocacy for a secular internationalist agenda, and his efforts to empower the common person. Conversely, he faces criticism for allegations of intimidating his political opponents, suppressing dissent, and committing human rights violations during his tenure. Despite the controversies, he is often regarded by many as one of Pakistan's most charismatic and influential leaders. His political legacy endures through the Pakistan People's Party, which remains one of the largest political parties in the country. His daughter, Benazir Bhutto, achieved unprecedented success by being twice elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, while his son-in-law and Benazir's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, later served as President, cementing the family's enduring influence in Pakistani politics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Who was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto?
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a Pakistani barrister and politician who served as the fourth President (1971-1973) and ninth Prime Minister (1973-1977) of Pakistan, and founded the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
What was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's role in drafting the 1973 Constitution?
His government drafted the Constitution of Pakistan in 1973, which was unanimously approved by parliament and remains the current constitution of the country.
What major domestic policies were implemented under Bhutto's leadership?
Key domestic policies included extensive nationalization of industries, banking, education, and healthcare, alongside initiating Pakistan's nuclear program. However, nationalization also led to economic stagnation, and his handling of unrest in Balochistan drew criticism.
How did Zulfikar Ali Bhutto become President in 1971?
He assumed the presidency in December 1971, following Pakistan's defeat in the war that led to the creation of Bangladesh and the resignation of President Yahya Khan.
Why is Zulfikar Ali Bhutto considered a controversial figure?
He is hailed for his nationalism and efforts to empower the masses but criticized for allegations of political intimidation, human rights violations, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his trial and execution in 1979.