Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali

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Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali (1928–79) Pakistani president (1971–73) and prime minister (1973–77), father of Benazir Bhutto. In 1967 he founded the Pakistan People's Party. In 1970 elections, Bhutto gained a majority in West Pakistan but the Awami League won in East Pakistan. Bhutto's refusal to grant autonomy to East Pakistan led to civil war in 1971, and defeat saw the formation of Bangladesh. Bhutto became prime minister under a new constitution in 1973. He was overthrown in a military coup led by General Zia. Bhutto was convicted of conspiracy to murder and executed.

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