Nations lose wars, they lose territories as well-but true defeat comes on the day they lose courage. In 1971, Pakistan found itself in exactly such a situation. The country had been torn apart, thousands of soldiers and civilians had become prisoners of war, the world viewed Pakistan as a failed state, and the nation stood shattered-mentally, geographically, and psychologically. At such a moment, one man rose and stood upon the ruins of defeat to rebuild a nation. That man was none other than Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

A Leader Born for the Hour of Trial

Born on January 5, 1928, in the fertile land of Larkana, Sindh, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto would, in the years to come, become the voice of Pakistan’s people, a symbol of the state’s dignity, and an embodiment of national honour. Yet, in many ways, his true birth occurred after 1971, when he was entrusted with the leadership of a defeated nation. This was a time when assuming power was not an honour but the greatest test imaginable. Bhutto accepted this test, and history bears witness that he did not allow the nation to bow its head.

Simla: Diplomacy Backed by Courage

After the 1971 war, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and civilians were held captive in India. The question confronting the nation was whether they would return-and if so, at what cost. Bhutto answered this........

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