Life of Benazir Bhutto (Late)

Benazir Bhutto, Late (1953-2007)

His government was one of the few in the 30 years following independence that was not run by the army.

Born in 1953 in the province of Sindh and educated at Harvard and Oxford, Ms Bhutto gained credibility from her father's high profile, even though she was a reluctant convert to politics. 

She was twice prime minister of Pakistan, from 1988 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996.

The dismissals typified her volatile political career, which was characterized by numerous peaks and troughs. At the height of her popularity - shortly after her first election - she was one of the most high-profile women leaders in the world.

Young and glamorous, she successfully portrayed herself as a refreshing contrast to the overwhelmingly male-dominated political establishment. 

The determination and stubbornness for which Ms Bhutto was renowned was first seen after her father was imprisoned by Gen Zia ul-Haq in 1977, following a military coup. Two years later he was executed after a much-criticised trial on charges of conspiring to murder a political opponent.

During stints out of prison for medical treatment, Ms Bhutto set up a Pakistan People's Party office in London, and began a campaign against General Zia.

She returned to Pakistan in 1986, attracting huge crowds to political rallies.

After Gen Zia died in an explosion on board his aircraft in 1988, she became one of the first democratically elected female prime ministers in an Islamic country.

Ms Bhutto returned to Pakistan on 18 October 2007 after President Musharraf signed into law an ordinance granting her and others an amnesty from corruption charges.

Observers said the military regime saw her as a natural ally in its efforts to isolate religious forces and their surrogate militants.

She declined a government offer to let her party head the national government after the 2002 elections, in which the party received the largest number of votes.  

Ms Bhutto in 1977, shortly after completing her education at Oxford University, she also attended Harvard University.

Taking oath as a prime minister- 1988

Musharraf: Also facing killing charges
of Benazir by some political communities in Pakistan

In the months before her death, she had emerged again as a strong contender for power.

Picture Profile: Life in Pictures

1972: Simla, President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, met India's Indira Gandhi

1972 Simla: Benazir Bhutto met India's Indira Gandhi

Benazir Bhutto met India's Sonia Gandhi

1977, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto arrested by Police (Golden Picture)

WhiteHouse: G.W Bush & Lara Bush Welcomed Benazir & Asif Zardari at White House

1986: Benazir Bhutto Came back to Pakistan

                  On her Marriage Ceremony

Benazir Bhutto was part of a political dynasty. Here she is with India's foreign minister in 1972 in Simla, where her father, President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, met India's Indira Gandhi