- 23 Oct 2011
Twitter Alert: Nusrat Bhutto 'faced Zia like a rock' - 23 Oct 2011
A life of sacrifices
- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.1
Alerts
Nusrat Bhutto, doyenne of MRD, dies at 82
Body of former prime minister’s wife will arrive from Dubai today.
Begum Nusrat Bhutto (R) arrives at Islamabad airport with her daughter, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on February 4, 1997. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI: Begum Nusrat Bhutto, former first lady of Pakistan and the mother of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, died at a Dubai hospital on Sunday afternoon. She was 82.
Nusrat was the wife of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the first democratically elected prime minister of Pakistan. She was suspected of suffering from cancer in 1982, the year when she left Pakistan for medical treatment. For the last several years of her life, she had also been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, an ailment that causes severe memory loss and cognitive impairment.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Nusrat Bhutto’s son-in-law, cut short his official trip to Jordan and will be escorting her body from Dubai to Pakistan on Monday (today) on a chartered plane. Nusrat’s only surviving child, her daughter Sanam Bhutto, and grandchildren, including Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bakhtawar and Aseefa also rushed to Dubai from London to accompany her body, which will be buried next to that of her late husband in the family graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani announced a public holiday on Monday, as well as a ten-day mourning period. The ruling PPP, the party founded by Nusrat’s husband, announced that it will suspend all political activities for the next 40 days to mourn her death.
Nusrat had been elected to the National Assembly twice and served as cabinet member in her daughter’s government in the 1990s. She rose to political prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when she led protests and demonstrations against the military dictatorship that had overthrown her husband’s government.
In the mid-1990s, particularly after the death of her son Mir Murtaza Bhutto in 1996, she withdrew from public life. Party sources suggest this may also have coincided with the time that she began to show symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Her disease was so advanced that she did not even know of the assassination of her daughter, Benazir, said one senior party leader, adding that she was on a ventilator most of the time during her final days.
The news of her death spread like wildfire in Sindh, a province that has been enamoured by the Bhutto family. There was some confusion, however, as to when the funeral prayers would be. A spokesperson for Bilawal House, PPP headquarters in Karachi, said that the funeral would take place on Monday, whereas officials at the Presidency in Islamabad were under the impression that it would take place on Tuesday. Pakistan International Airlines will be running special flights from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to Sukkur, for those who wish to attend the funeral.
Sources told The Express Tribune that the government will posthumously award her either the Hilal-e-Pakistan or a human rights award in recognition of her struggle for democracy in the country.
Nusrat Bhutto outlived all but one of her four children. One of her sons Shahnawaz was found murdered in an apartment in France. Murtaza, her elder son, was killed in a police shootout outside the family house in Karachi in 1996. And her daughter Benazir was assassinated in December 2007.
Nusrat’s death has once again highlighted the rift between her children. While the main funeral will be in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, PPP-Shaheed Bhutto, a faction created by Mir Murtaza Bhutto, made separate arrangements.
“We have made arrangements at Al-Murtaza House, Larkana and 70 Clifton, Karachi, which are the real homes of Begum Bhutto,” said Ghulam Hussain Khawaja, the party spokesperson.
He added that Fatima and Ghinwa Bhutto, Murtaza’s daughter and widow respectively, had already left for Larkana, but Zulfiqar II, his son, will arrive from London later.
According to Mumtaz Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s cousin, Nusrat wanted her son Murtaza to have a more prominent role in politics. “Many times, differences developed between Benazir and Begum Bhutto on the issue,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2011.
Read more:
nusratbhutto
Related Videos
Reader Comments (67)
Pakistan Latest Stories
Environment matters: ‘Water required to preserve biodiversity in Cholistan’
Research to study rare species of plants and wildlife in the desert should be encouraged, says Islamia University VC.
Tragic demise: Four family members, driver killed in accident
The family, including the bride and groom, were returning from Larkana.
‘Stop blasphemous gathering in name of Milad’
Blasphemy case sought against two for distributing pamphlets.
Trouble’s brewing: Kutchis to take Lyari SP to SC
It has also left the 10-member committee formed to restore peace.
YDA General Council: Doctors to discuss load shedding
The meeting will be held on Sunday to discuss the situation at public hospitals.
Power outages: Five traffic lights to run on solar power by June 10
Traffic signals at all 138 junctions to be converted to run on solar energy in phases.
Pointing fingers: ECP barred from notifying PML-N minority candidate
Petitioner alleged that Ramesh Kumar had concealed facts about the assets he owned.
May misery: Load shedding and heat spell continue
Supply falls below half of demand, outages of up to 20 hours a day.
Tribal wars: Conflict between clans over kidnapped girl paralyses town
Police have registered FIR against 22 members of the Shar clan.
Unusual protest: Sindh doctors say Shah unfit to become CM
Doctors protest outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday.
Recent Slideshows
More in Pakistan
Air Chief Address: ‘Pakistan prepared to guard interests’
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2013 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? [email protected]
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
‘Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return’
Recommend
A big loss of Bhutto Family. Really a sad news.
Recommend
Brave woman I must say. Inna Lillah…
Recommend
very sad life she had. She was such a beautiful lady.
Recommend
One of the most prestigious and classy women Pakistan has ever seen. She will surely be remembered for generations to come.
Recommend
May Allah rest the departed soul in peace.
Recommend
She outlived three of her children Murtaza, Benazir and Shahnawaz Bhutto.
that just breaks my heart. May the Almighty rest her soul in peace and grant her a place in heaven
Recommend
Mujh ko dayare ghair main mara watan se door
RecommendRakh lee mere khuda nen meri bebasi ki sharm
Inna lillahe wa inna elehi rajeoon
RIP, Begum Nusrat Bhutto! She certainly experienced more tragedy in her life, than anyone should have to. Hope she is at peace now. :-(
Recommend
Great WOMAN.
Recommend
Nothing is worse than outliving your child – can’t even imagine the fact that she outlived THREE children. She was one of the most refined women in prominence that Pakistan ever produced. God Bless Her and provide respite to her family.
Recommend
Well that would add another person in Bhutto cadre to mourn!
May Allah have her mercy on herRecommend
Since 1977 all she went through was pain. Rest in peace Begum Nusrat Bhutto.
Recommend
If you die rich and popular .. it is a sad news otherwise ….you know what i mean!
Recommend
From you have we come and to Thee shall we all return. And when we return to you O Lord. Let our souls not be corrupted with Greed and Treachery. We shall return empty handed … all the wealth in this world shall not gain us another breath of air, nor a single utterance from our Lips. For we are Hopeless, Helpless before the Glory and The Might That Thy My Lord, My God!
You have always been and you shall remain forever! Praise be to you…… we shall but Perish!
Recommend
She had shown the way to Pakistani nation that one can stand and fight a military dictator. Bravely fought Gen Zia’s dictatorship. The picture of the bleeding head caused by police in Gaddafi Stadium is still in our memories A great lady indeed. RIP Begum Nusrat Bhutto.
Recommend
@Syed Abdul Wahab Gilani:
Sir! You ought to me ashamed of your upbringing. You have been showering all the praise for the terrorists on these pages. And now on a death, all you could come up with was a very nasty remark.
Nusrat Bhutto! We appreciate and acknowledge your unmatched/unparalleled sacrifices for the democracy. May you RIP. We wish Pakistan produces more mothers like you, and more children like yours.
Recommend
bhutto!era isended with sarrow tragic point but they would be remembered all the time in history of pak and india julfikar ali bhutto was a greate politician and same vertue were prevailed in his next to kin they are all in heaven .
may god be provident to pakistan for strong democratic leaders
Recommend
My heartfelt condolences to the kids of this brave lady, PPP leadership, workers and supporters. Sad day for all who actually know the struggle of this family for democracy. May her soul rest in Peace, Amen.
Recommend
@Syed Abdul Wahab Gilani:
The life Pakistani’s handed her is nothing to be proud off. Publicly hanging a fromer PM is nothing to be proud off.
Personally don’t agree with many things Butto’s did but at the same time don’t agree with the treatment handed out out ZAB. Recommend
May She “REST IN PEACE!”
Ameen!
Recommend
ilike begum nusrat bhutto and that is very good leader in pakistan so ilike begum nusrut bhutto and benazir bhutto
Recommend
God bless her.
She has witnessed too many personal tragedies. Hope she is burried next to her husband in Ghari Khuda Buksh
Recommend
PPP cannot forget Mrs Nusrat Bhuto sacrifices for party , even she lost her husband , daughter and two sons in this political game. God given her great power of Bearing and tolerance.
She was symbolic leader of PPP.
May her soul rest in peace.
Recommend
May she rest in peace. the grief and sadness that she saw in her life was immense. hope she is in a better, peaceful place now….
Recommend
so much sadness in her life…..may she receive Jannat.
Recommend
May her soul rests in eternal peace!!
Recommend
May Allah bless her soul in Jannah. She was a great person , in her own right ,despite a Wife of One of the greatest Statesman & Leader , not only of Pakistan , but Third world & Muslim Ummah
Recommend
May Allah bless her Soul in Jannah – Aameen ! She sure was Peoples Leader , Mother 7 Friend,in her Own ways. Being a Wife of Great ZA Bhutto , one of the best Leaders of Pakistan , Thirld Worls & Muslim Ummah + Mother of Great Benazir Bhutto ,we shall miss her.
Recommend
When Benazir Bhutto (Shaheed) was Prime Minister and Begum Nusrat Bhutto was Senior Minister, she came in a diplomatic reception in Karachi and saw my little son and asked me who is he?
I told her Begum Sahiba, he is my son and the future Prime Minster of Pakistan.
She was very glad to meet my son and said that he must work hard to first complete his education and then he may also serve the country as Prime Minister.
Begum Nusrat Bhutto was a great lady, a courageous and dedicated woman who fought for restoration of democracy with unshakeable determination.
May Al-Mighty Allah rest her soul in peace. Ameen.
Recommend
Ina lilah wa ina ilayhi raji’oon (may allah bless her with jannah)
Recommend
She was great wife,mother and Great leader of Pakistan.may her soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen
Recommend
She was great wife,mother and leader of Pakistan.May her soul rest in eternal peace.Ameen
Recommend
Pakistan lost a great icon of struggle for democracy.
Recommend
@Imran:
Respectfully, please bring up few precedents when you say ‘You have been showering all the praise for the terrorists on these pages’
for the rest of your comment i would say you should respect views of other as I am respecting yours and others. You are praising her for sacrificing for democracy and conveniently not digest my Say!
Thanks :)
Recommend
I wish, we all Pilger Souls leave behind in this World a Sinless body to enter a Higher State of Consciousness………
Recommend
She was ZAB’s second wife. If my memory is correct she was from Iran. Once she had a tussle with BB for PMship. RIP
Recommend
@Syed A. Mateen:
So you really think your son you son, a common man can be a prime minister of Pakistan a country where no political party helds a leadership convention. You are one gullible person sir. May your bubble never burst.
Recommend
another holiday look at how much power we are gonna safe? No more loadsheddingRecommend
I personally tribute to Nusrat bhutoo for her hard work in faver of pakistan peoples party ..she was the wife of founder of ppp and the founder of pakistan nuclear power. we are in faith that the secretarial of bhutoo family will comes a great democracatic system in pakistan . and a day become that democracy will win and pakistan take the establishment which requaired today
Recommend
May her soul rest in peace. Ameen.
However, does all of Pakistan need to be closed tomorrow? Wouldn’t the late ZA Bhutto want Pakistan to remain open so that we may all contribute to a stronger GDP and therefore a stronger Pakistan?
Please some sane people – answer this question?!
God Forbid but if 365 people of the ruling Political Dynasties were to die (some day everyone dies) will all of Pakistan be shut down for the entire year???
Recommend
she dies in Dubai and we get a holiday in Pakistan!!
Recommend
Is Vacation on Nusrat Bhutto in All pakistan was necessary.. as govt had already announced it. What you guyz think is it a fair decision..?
Recommend
Nusrat Bhutto was a great lady.May ALLAH rest her soul in peace,Aameen.
notwithstanding her credentials, is holiday justified? Do we realize the loss to country. Recommend
Inna lillahi Wa InnaElayhi Raji’un
Though not a PPP supporter myself, but I have to appreciate,admire and salute the courage of this lady. One may argue if she achieved anything in her career following death of her husband,but her determination and patience is something which makes her a great political icon without a shadow of doubt. I am sure that suffering death was something that was less severe than what the former chairman of PPP had to go through during the last 30 years of her life. I wish that now she finds eternal peace.
Recommend
@Syed Abdul Wahab Gilani:
That was in bad taste. She was a brave lady who stood firm against a tyrant. We have seen men chicken out once facing the enemy stronger than them. To give you a recent example Mullah Omar of Afghanistan ran away on a motor cycle instead of fighting. This must be a world record becuase no ruler has ever done that. RIP Nusrat Bhutto
Recommend
She was the greatest lady. She remained a support for every Bhutto Family member. Be it Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shahnawaz or Murtaza Bhutto and the ZAB.
Rest in peace, at last ma’am.
Recommend
Wife of a great man.
Recommend
May the departed soul rest in peace…
Recommend
It was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who first discussed the idea of forming PPP with his wife Nusrat even before floating the idea among his close friends and colleagues.
Mrs. Nusrat Bhutto backed her husband and then the former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto formally launched PPP and open the basic membership.
During the entire political process, Mrs. Nusrat Bhutto was well informed of all party politics and developments which have later give her the courage to fight for the rights of her husband and party workers.
Mrs. Nusrat Bhutto was not only a brave wife, but also a courageous mother who looked after her children after the death of Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
The standing of PPP today in the country is due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and then by his wife Mrs. Nusrat Bhutto who equally shared the wrath of the former military dictator Zia-ul=Haq whose name has been deleted from the list of President of Pakistan by the sitting parliament.
Life any other member of her family, I am equally sad and mentally disturb on the demise of the former first lady Begum Nusrat Bhutto who has written a history of fighting for the rights of a common man in the country.
Begum Nusrat Bhutto – I salute you for all the good work done for the common man of Pakistan.
May you ever remain alive among the hearts of millions of your party workers and fans. May Al-Mighty Allah rest your soul in peace. Ameen
Recommend
want to boycott this National Holiday …Fret
Recommend
Great lady, good wife, brave mother, true Pakistani, fought for the restoration of democracy and dreamt of a prosperous Pakistan. She gave birth to 3 children Shahnawaz Bhutto, Murtaza Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who attained martyrdom.
ALAS we lost her. May ALLAH grant her a place in heaven. Ameen.
Recommend
why ntional holiday…………
Recommend
thx for the holiday
Recommend
she was a great person & politician, may God give her best place. Her death is a great lose for country
Bt holiday is unnecessary cuz now a days terms started in schools.Recommend
it takes a great person to rise above personal tragedies,and keep fighting for a better future for a country. A lady of courage and determination!!!! may she rest in peace!!
Recommend
I just don’t understand the government’s rationale, if any, in announcing a public holiday to mourn her death. Pakistan’s economy has taken a severe hit this year due to market closure because of the floods, violence in Karachi, terrorism in Pakistan, cricket World Cup, strikes, and load shedding. Do we need another day off in addition to all other days that we already got this year? Does the honorable Prime Minister even understand how much financial loss is caused by an unnecessary holiday? The media also reported that several board examinations scheduled were either cancelled or postponed. Is this a price we, Pakistanis, need to pay for the death of Nusrat Bhutto?
I understand all her sacrifices and suffering but I still think a day off was uncalled for. The Bhuttos and the Zardaris may be very important politically but they are being treated like the royal family of Pakistan and we are nothing but their subjects. This is just wrong!
Recommend
Rest in peace brave lady!
Recommend
when u get blind in love for money and power, u have to bear the losses as Nusrat had to. Its greatness of people of Pakistan that they get sad on the death of these people even after whatever these leaders have been doing to them. Anyways, I pray for her and I wish Allah forgives her and her kids. Recommend
Being a parent myself I have always felt that in all the Bhutto family tragedy, Begum Nusrat Bhutto was the biggest victim. She lost her husband to a worst dictator, then both of her sons one after the other and in the end BB during the last military dictator’s rule. In a way her memory loss was a blessing for her. My heart goes for Begum Sahiba. It is sad to see that after so many sufferings some people’s hate for the family has not subsided. My whole family loved Begum Sahiba with great devotion and appreciation for all her sacrifices. May God bless her soul. Amen!
Recommend
People belonging to the the province of Sindh who are giving adverse comments on the holiday only understand the language of arms twisting. They one way or the other keep their business activities closed when ever any call comes from MILITANT Parties Show respect for this lady of sorrows who though being wife and mother of those who gave life for democracy and her own struggle for the same purpose is also remarkable If we Pakistanis really are for democracy then unite yourself or simply “Shut-Up”.
Recommend
Inna lillah he wa Inna alaiyhe rajehoon. Begum sahiba has joined the group of shuhadaa Zulfkar Ali iBhutto, Mir Shahnawaz Bhotto,Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Mohterma Benazir Bhutto. .Recommend
May her soul rest in peace! Ameen. and may God forgive her, and all of us. In real, it is the success. At last, we have to leave this world and go to the that world for which we have no experience. May God help us in every moment of life and show us the right path!Recommend
she face all the difficulties of life…………………………..
Recommend
she was very good lady………………….
Recommend
I think as a nation we became vary conservative nation . Always Try to find out a negative point to show himself as patriotic and progressive . As most of the people object national holiday on her death .I am personally not in fever of holiday . But Is not it is our custom that if any one in our family has died we close our shop/ office / business on that day even some time people closed their work place for three days. It is our custom right or wrong. And i think she is most respectable persons who deserved this . It is matter of owner and she deserve . And what happen if same happen to Dr. abdul Qadeer Kahn or Abdul Satter Edhi ( God may give them life of hundred year )
Recommend
She from the middle of her life suffered beyond ones imaginations. May Allah rest his soul in peace, Amin.
Recommend