LAHORE: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) adopted a resolution urging the federal government to recognize its founder, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as a national democratic hero and to depict his image on currency notes.
The resolution was passed during a seminar titled ‘Bhutto Reference and History’, focusing on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s significance.
Applauding the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment that Bhutto’s trial, leading to his execution, was unjust, the resolution called for the federal government to bestow upon him the title of “Quaid-e-Awam” (Leader of the People) and to honor him with the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan.
In addition to demanding Bhutto’s image on currency notes, the resolution also urged the construction of a fitting monument in his honor and the declaration of his mausoleum as a national shrine.
Furthermore, it called for the reversal of Bhutto’s unjust death sentence and the establishment of a “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Award” for democracy activists who have sacrificed their lives for the cause.
Previously, in March, the National Assembly had passed a resolution declaring Bhutto’s trial a judicial murder.
The Supreme Court announced its opinion on the presidential reference against the ‘controversial’ death sentence awarded to Bhutto, stating that the former prime minister did not receive a fair trial.
Led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, a nine-judge bench announced its opinion on the long-pending presidential reference to determine whether it could reconsider its verdict, which the PPP and legal experts consider a historic injustice.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was sentenced to death during the regime of former military ruler General (retired) Ziaul Haq.
The first elected prime minister of the country was accused of the murder of political rival Nawab Mohammed Ahmed Qasuri, and a trial ensued.
Despite petitions and appeals for clemency and mercy from several Heads of States, Bhutto was executed on April 4, 1979.