TLDR:
• Zulfikar Bhutto awarded Pakistan’s highest civil honour
• Daughter, Sanam Bhutto accepts award from President Zardari
• Ceremony marks significant political recognition
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Former Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has been posthumously honoured with Pakistan’s highest civilian accolade, Nishan-e-Pakistan, in a ceremony underscored by both political symbolism and emotional resonance, reflecting the complex tapestry of Pakistani politics.
Bhutto, whose legacy is synonymous with Pakistan’s turbulent democratic journey, received the honour decades after his dramatic exit from power. The ceremony, hosted at the President’s official residence, attracted a gathering of political elites, diplomats, and Bhutto’s descendants, serving as a potent reminder of how the past continues to influence contemporary politics.
ذوالفقار بھٹو کو پاکستان کے اعلیٰ ترین سول ایوارڈ اعزاز نشان پاکستان سے نوازا گیا۔ ذوالفقار بھٹو کی صاحبزادی صنم بھٹو نے صدر آصف زرداری سے ایوارڈ وصول کیا۔ اس موقع پر خاتون اول آصفہ بھٹو زرداری بھی موجود تھیں۔ pic.twitter.com/eJPhQ1sMYF
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) March 23, 2025
Legacy re-examined
The awarding of Nishan-e-Pakistan to Bhutto is more than just ceremonial—it represents an official reassessment of his place within Pakistan’s political narrative. Bhutto’s tenure was marked by charismatic leadership, progressive policy-making, and ultimately, a controversial downfall. This honour underscores a renewed official stance that recognises his contributions to the country’s political and constitutional evolution.
The atmosphere within the ornate halls of the presidential residence balanced formality with nostalgia. Observers remarked on the poignant moment as Sanam Bhutto, Bhutto’s only surviving child, gracefully accepted the prestigious accolade from President Asif Ali Zardari. Sanam, known for her relatively private life away from active politics, appeared visibly moved yet composed, symbolically bridging the Bhutto family’s tumultuous political legacy and its enduring impact on Pakistan’s identity.
Political implications
The event was also notable for the presence of First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, granddaughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Aseefa, increasingly visible in public engagements, embodies a new generation’s reconciliation with its political heritage. Her attendance is interpreted by many as indicative of the Bhutto dynasty’s enduring relevance and potential future political trajectories, subtly positioning her within the evolving Pakistani political landscape.
This gesture by President Zardari, himself a former leader closely tied to the Bhutto political legacy, is seen by political analysts as strategic—reaffirming historical alliances and bolstering the party’s legacy. As Pakistani politics continues to fluctuate amidst shifting alliances, this ceremony clearly positions Bhutto’s legacy as central to contemporary political discourse.
Historical symbolism
Historians consider this accolade an important step toward reconciling Pakistan’s conflicted political history. Bhutto’s controversial trial and execution in the late seventies remain deeply embedded in the nation’s psyche. Honouring him now, decades later, speaks to an official willingness to acknowledge complex histories rather than simplify or sideline them.
In accepting the award on behalf of her father, Sanam Bhutto’s quiet presence resonated powerfully among attendees. Her choice to remain largely apolitical throughout her life lent a distinctive gravitas to the proceedings, highlighting the deeply personal dimension of national politics. It was a moment of unity and reflection, briefly suspending the divisive narratives that often accompany Bhutto’s name.