Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Recollections and Remembrances Foreword

happening. This is a very good sign. The younger generation has a great deal to
do with shaping the future of this country. I any very attached to the youth of
Pakistan. I understand its feelings: that is why the Noting have been so kind to
me. I have tremendous faith in the capacity of the new generation. I know it will
effectively meet the challenge of the future. The country is going through a
difficult period but the difficulties will pass. We have to make sacrifices otherwise
the future cannot change for the better. Now that the people have made sacrifices,
I am confident that a more equitable society will emerge. Life in jail is not very
pleasant but that does not matter. It is most elating to know that the people
remember me. There is nothing better to hope for than to be in the hearts of the
people. I have done my best to serve the people of Pakistan and that is why they
have not abandoned me. Please make it a point to keep in touch with events. The
more you study the causes of the present crisis and go into its why’s and what’s,
the better will be your understanding of life. My time in jail will pass. No dictator
in the world can bring it to a stop. None of you should worry at all. It will be
utterly wrong if you did not concentrate on your studies on account of such
setbacks. In reality, we have not received a setback. Time will Insha’ Allah show
that we have not. But even if the difficulties are real, the mind must be trained to
face them. On the contrary, because I have been unjustly put in jail, you should
concentrate more on your studies to ensure we have a future free from such
excesses. We are a poor country with limited resources. These resources have to
be well harnessed to reduce the misery of our people. Socialism is the only way
by which it can be done. If Ayub Khan had understood this, he would have been
in less trouble today.- It is not a matter of what we like but what is good for the
people. Sooner or later, people get what is good for them. Nobody can stop it. If
socialism is explained properly, it will not only be understood but also accepted
by the people. Our Party papers called the “Foundation Papers” explain what we
mean by socialism. Only those who rob and loot the people will oppose socialism.
But they will not be able to rob for long. Soon they will be held accountable.
Please do not worry about me. Look after yourself, work hard and prepare to
serve your country.”
The letter comprised two full scape typed pages and given the Shaheed’s pre
occupation with the court and lawyers, I was obviously touched beyond measure.
In February 1969, the High Court ordered his transfer to house arrest in Larkana.
I travelled to Larkana with my cousins. A beaming Mr. Bhutto, immaculately
dressed in a dull, bottle green suit greeted us at the porch. Air Marshal Asghar
Khan who had accompanied us on the flight to Mohenjodaro arrived with us. It
was obvious that jail had not dampened the Shaheed’s spirit.... only made him
more defiant and confident of success. This was an immensely exciting time. The
Shaheed had unleashed a tidal wave of protest against oppression and with the
students forming the spearhead, demonstrations, rallies and marches were
becoming, for the first time, a part of Pakistan’s political culture. And here we
were with the man himself. It was exhilarating to be with hint. To hear him speak,
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Recollections and Remembrances; Copyright © www.bhutto.org
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