Bhutto was known for his fiery speeches and rambunctious statements. Here is a collection of the slain politician’s most famous quotes:-
1. “If things do not change, there will be nothing left to change. Either power must pass to the people or everything else will perish.”
Another one of Bhutto’s democratic lessons to his daughter, penned in one of his letters to Benazir. The captive former Prime Minister was mindful of grooming his daughter from the death cell as he knew it would ultimately be Benazir who would take up the reigns of PPP someday.
2. “I would much rather be destroyed by military than by history.”
This quote of Bhutto was made when he was about to be sentenced and he knew it would turn out to be a death one.
3. “Let’s build a monument for the veto. Let’s build a monument for impotence and incapacity.”
His criticizing of the power to veto. Bhutto was harsh on the United Nations on more than one occasion and was always an obstacle in the world powers’ plans to practice autonomy over the world.
4. “They are going to kill me. It doesn’t matter what evidence you or anyone comes up with. They are going to murder me for murder I didn’t commit.” (quoted as saying in Benazir’s book Daughter of the East).
As it can be seen, Bhutto’s acute sense of politics and foresight was better than all. He knew the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq didn’t have the option to spare his life. Hence, he prepared his daughter for his impending doom.
5. “You cannot defend the soil unless you know the smell of that soil.” (quoted from one of the letters he sent to his daughter Benazir Bhutto, whilst imprisoned.)
Bhutto was quite vocal in defending Pakistan at international forums such as the United Nations and advocated for his country’s rights. He cautioned his daughter to do the same but first, be aware of the cultures, traditions, customs and have the proper know-how of her country. Only then, when one is most captivated and in love with his/her own country can they defend it like a patriot.
6. “If the people wanted my head I would bow without demur. If I had lost the confidence or respect of the people I would not want to live. The tragedy of the drama is that the very opposite is true.” (In a letter to his attorney Yahya Bakhtiar, after he had been sentenced to death.)
Bhutto making his own case to his attorney and describing how he was a people’s man despite all the military could do to arm his image.
7. “Maangraha Hai Har Insaan, Roti Kapraa Aur Makaan”. (“Every person’s wants are bread, clothing and shelter.”)
This powerful, captivating and needful slogan of PPP coined by Bhutto himself, won him the 1970 elections. Highlighting the basic needs of his country’s poor, these words are still used by PPP leaders to garner public support.
8. “Jammu and Kashmir is more a part of Pakistan than it can ever be with India, with all her eloquence and all her extravagance with words. Jammu and Kashmir is part of Pakistan, in blood, in flesh, in culture, in history, in geography. In every way and in every form.”
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s speech at the United Nations on the issue of Kashmir. Pretty much sums up everything, no further explanation required!
9. “We will eat even grass if we have to but we will make the nuclear bomb.”
Bhutto stated his intentions in clear words for all to see. His ambitions were clearly aimed to equip and arm Pakistan with a nuclear weapon. Some believe it was this statement itself which lead to his dismissal and eventual death, as some influential western powers were quite disturbed at his nuclear ambitions.
10. “We will go back and fight. My country harkens for me, why should I waste my time here?”
In his memorable U.N speech at the Security Council when India-Pakistan were fighting a war. Before tearing up a piece of paper in protest and storming out, Bhutto schooled Presidents and Foreign Ministers in attendance like schoolboys with this speech!
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto historic Speech at United… by hassanimam070
