President Zardari underscores concerns over judicial process in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case while emphasizing democratic and constitutional legacy.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not receive a fair trial, as the nation observed the 47th anniversary of his death. In a message marking the occasion, he referred to observations attributed to the Supreme Court, noting that key legal requirements were not fully met during the trial and that the right of appeal was effectively undermined.
He said such findings continue to raise serious questions about the judicial process and reinforce the need for justice based on constitutional principles. Zardari highlighted the 1973 Constitution as one of Bhutto’s most enduring contributions, describing it as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s democratic framework.
Referring to the period following the imposition of martial law under General Zia-ul-Haq, he said the case was later revisited but concerns about injustice continued to affect public trust in institutions. He stressed that the denial of fair justice has long-term consequences for society and governance.
The president also paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto for her struggle to restore democratic order and urged state institutions to uphold the rule of law and ensure fairness in all cases. He said strong democratic systems depend on transparent and impartial justice.
He further noted that international leaders had also expressed concern over the fairness of the trial, reiterating that democratic strength depends on justice being delivered without compromise.
About The Author
