Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician and stateswoman who served as the 11th and 13th prime minister of Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country.
Bhutto was born into a wealthy and politically powerful family in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1953. Her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, served as prime minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, when he was overthrown in a military coup. Bhutto's father was executed in 1979, and she became the leader of his political party, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
Bhutto spent many years in exile and under house arrest during the military dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq. She returned to Pakistan in 1986 and led the PPP to victory in the 1988 general election. She became the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country.
Bhutto's first term as prime minister was marked by economic reforms and efforts to promote democracy and human rights. She also worked to improve relations with India and other countries in the region. However, her government was dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1990 on charges of corruption and other malfeasance.
Bhutto's PPP was elected again in the 1993 general election. She served a second term as prime minister from 1993 to 1996. During her second term, she continued to work on economic reforms and democracy promotion. She also tried to improve relations with the United States. However, her government was again dismissed by President Farooq Leghari in 1996 on charges of corruption and other malfeasance.
After her second term as prime minister, Bhutto went into exile again. She returned to Pakistan in 2007 to campaign for the upcoming general election. She was assassinated in a suicide bombing in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.
Bhutto's legacy is complex and controversial. She was a charismatic and popular leader, but she was also accused of corruption and mismanagement. Nevertheless, she remains an important figure in Pakistani history as the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country.
Bhutto's assassination was a major setback for democracy in Pakistan. However, her legacy continues to inspire people around the world. She was a symbol of hope for women and girls in Muslim-majority countries, and she fought for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.
In addition to her political accomplishments, Bhutto was also a dedicated advocate for women's rights and education. She founded the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Women's Development Organization, which provides educational and vocational training to women and girls in Pakistan.
Bhutto's assassination was a tragedy, but her legacy lives on. She is remembered as a courageous and visionary leader who broke down barriers for women and girls around the world.
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