Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Recollections and remembrances

two mile patch cannot be constructed for people.” “Those doing wrong will faceit themselves,” came the curt reply. Seeing my pleading going in vain, I decidedto leave. But as I was going he called me and said. “Qayum you have becomeunhappy with my decisions, when I looked into his eves they were full of loveand affection. I became restless whenever I recall this scene. “I am not unhappySahib. I have got a jeep and can go wherever I want. I just wanted road for thepoor villagers who suffer immense hardships.” I continued my protest. “Well,why don’t you make the road. But make it with your own money.” Bhutto Sahibsaid. “Qayum you see we should not spend governments money on our personalwork. We are responsible to the land and people of Pakistan.” He explained andgave a sanction of Rs Two Lacs from his personal account for construction of road,Bhutto Sahib felt himself accountable to people.Later, Bhutto Sahib was engulfed by intrigues. He was confined in small and darkcell. Situation worsened every day and finally Supreme Court upheld the verdictof hanging. He met his first wife Amir Begum. This was their last meeting. I hadgone with Amir Begunl Sahiba to Rawalpindi but was refused permission to meethim. Later Amir Begunl Sahiba told me that Sahib was completely at peace andhad asked whether the road which started from Madeji to Sukkur via Nao Derohas been completed. This was the courage of my Sahib. While on the verge ofdeath he was concerned about the welfare of the people of his area.While coining back Amir Begum Sahiba could not get the plane ticket and sheaccompanied us back on train. While we were on the way army raided AlMurtaza House in Larkana, 70 Clifton in Karachi and Bungalow of Amir Begumat Nao Dero. They completely uprooted these houses and even threw the clothesof Begum Sahiba on roads. I don’t know what prompted Gen. Zia to order such abarbarous act. When the daughter of my Sahib was Prime Minister, nobody wastouched, even the family of General Zia, but that cruel person had made our lifemiserable.On 3rd April we reached Larkana. We were shocked to see the above describedbazaar episode. Next morning after prayers, I heard BBC which said that nodecision has been made on Mr. Bhutto’s hanging and the file is on the table ofGen. Zia-ul-Haq. I felt relieved and thought of going home to have tea. But as Iwas returning I found the roads blocked by army and police. With great difficultyI reached Al Murtaza and was shocked to hear wailing sounds. I met tearful AfzalQadir S/O Haji Nazar Mohammad along with Mukhtiarkar. I asked them “Whyare yon crying?” “Sahib was been hanged and D.C. Sahib has sent me to collectthe Shroud.” Whole city appeared to be under wave of terror. This was the cruelmorning which continued for eleven years in Pakistan. I went to Begum Sahibaand gave her D.C’s message she said when she had gone for pilgrimage to HolyKa’aba she had brought a shroud from there. With trembling hands she handedme over the shroud. After 10 or 15 minutes the Mukhtiarkar reappeared and saidZulfikar Ali Bhutto, Recollections and Remembrances; Copyright © www.bhutto.org 65