Pakistan marks the 17th anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, and top leaders are paying tributes to her legacy as a champion of democracy.
Bhutto, the first female prime minister in the Muslim world, was elected in 1988 at age 35, faced political challenges, and was twice ousted amid corruption allegations. After surviving the suicide bombing, she was tragically assassinated in Dec 2007.
B.B met her husband Asif Zardari five days before her engagement
Bhutto tied knot with Asif Zardari in arranged marriage. Benazir met Asif just five days before their engagement, leading to much speculation about her acceptance of an arranged marriage, especially considering her Westernized background.
Childhood name was ‘Pinkie’
Several publications claimed that Benazir was known as “Pinkie” in her childhood due to her unusually pink complexion, She had a nickname that reflected her early years.
Awarded cum laude degree from Harvard S
The daughter of former prime minister got top education as her educational journey was impressive—after attending Catholic schools in Pakistan, she entered Harvard, where she graduated cum laude.
She moved to Oxford, where she became the first Asian woman elected president of the prestigious Oxford Union. Upon graduating in 1977, she returned to Pakistan, hoping to join her father’s government in the foreign service.
First Woman to lead a Muslim nation
She made history by becoming the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation.
Deal with Pervez Musharraf
Benazir Bhutto struck a deal with the military ruler General Pervez Musharraf to help restore democracy in country. This arrangement was seen as a step toward securing her influence in Pakistan’s future political landscape, with backing from Western powers.
Benazir Bhutto’s 17th death anniversary being observed today
