Today in History: Benazir Bhutto becomes first woman PM in Muslim world

Benazir sworn is as the youngest PM of the world on December 2, 1988


Nashrah Baqi December 02, 2017
PHOTO: TWITTER

KARACHI: On this day in 1988, Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the first woman to head the government of a Muslim-majority state.

Known as a torch bearer of democracy, Benazir was a social democrat and at the age of 29, she became the chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). She was also democratically elected in the 1988 elections to lead the country; sworn in as the youngest PM of the world on December 2, 1988.

Benazir Bhutto’s succession: Court official appointed over movable properties

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared a tweet to mark the momentous occasion saying:



While speaking to The Express Tribune, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of Benzair said, "As a daughter I am proud of my mother for her extraordinary accomplishment, the first female PM of Pakistan. The trials and hardships she faced to fight for democracy and individuals rights led her to become the people’s PM.

As a woman I am extremely proud as she not only inspired me but an entire generation of women around the world. An inspiration which continues to this today. As a Muslim, I am proud to have had a mother who was elected in a position of leadership in the Muslim world, a symbol of the progressiveness of our faith. Today all I want to do is share moments like this with my mother, my heart chants for her “Wazir-E-Azam Benazir”"

Zardari plotted assassination of Benazir, Murtaza Bhutto: Musharraf

Known for her charismatic personality, the leader attended Harvard University and the Oxford University and is widely recognised as a champion of women's rights. She earned the title of the 'Iron Lady' by India due to her hard-line approach towards respective policies.

She stayed in exile for nine years and on her return on 18th October 2007 all charges against her were dropped. The leader was assassinated on December 27, 2007.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ