The Populist Era of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Political Development in Pakistan

Author(s) : Dr. Riffat Mahmood

Abstract:

Populist mode of governance has remained a significant element of a democratic form of government. Unfortunately, democratic norms could not get flourished well in developing polities. The same is the case for Pakistan where long authoritative military rules in the state. The period of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is considered the first populist regime in Pakistan’s political history. The paper attempts to analyze the governance under the premiership of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to ensure political development in the state. The study concludes with the fact that Bhutto was the first political figure who laid the foundation of populism in Pakistan. He adopted many fruitful strategies but they all proved short-term and cosmetic in nature. The real required efforts for political development could not be ensured.