Bhutto, Benazir (1953–)

views updated

Bhutto, Benazir (1953–)

Pakistani political leader and prime minister. Born in Karachi, West Pakistan, June 21, 1953; dau. of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (president of Parkistan, 1971–77) and Nusrat Bhutto (b. 1929); attended Radcliffe College, Harvard University; graduated with honors from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, 1976; m. Asif Ali Zardari; children: 3, including son Bilawal (b. 1988) and daughter Asifa.

Came to prominence when she spoke out over her father's arrest and subsequent hanging as the result of a coup; was placed under house arrest (1977–84); along with mother, became leader in exile of Pakistan People's Party; returned to Pakistan (1986) to lead the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy; was appointed prime minister (1988), becoming the 1st woman to head a modern Muslim state; removed from office on charges of corruption (1990); served 2nd term as prime minister (1993–96); in college days, was also elected to a 3-month term as president of the Oxford Union, the 1st foreign woman to be accorded this honor (1976); writings include Pakistan: The Gathering Storm (1983) and The Way Out: Interviews, Impressions, Statements, and Messages (1988).

See also Daughter of Destiny: An Autobiography (Simon and Schuster, 1989); and Women in World History.