The Saga of Benazir Bhutto’s Premiership 1988-90 and 1993-96

Abstract

This article is an attempt to explore, investigate and analyze the political leadership of Benazir Bhutto and her role as ruler/Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988-90 and 1993-96. She remained one of the main players in the corridor of politics in Pakistan for about thirty years and contributed immensely for the peace, prosperity, security and integration of Pakistan. Further, it encapsulates that Benazir Bhutto possessed rare leadership traits which enabled her to come into power and also discusses her leadership traits, attitude, behavior and decisions as a political leader during her premiership (1988-90 and 1993-96). The endurance, valor and courage were such main characteristics of her personality that she faced during military suppression that was unleashed by Zia led regime. However, she neither succumbed to all odds and challenges during and after military rule in Pakistan. Moreover, this paper summarizes that Benazir Bhutto emerged as a female leader as well as Prime Minister; in a male chauvinistic social structure, under suppressive military leadership, outspoken religious Ulemas and vindictive politics of opposition mainly because she was a charismatic leader. She accepted all challenges and responded accordingly. Moreover, different theories have been applied to have a better understanding of Benazir Bhutto’s leadership qualities and administrative abilities. Therefore, in this study, the author tries to find answers to the following; What were specific leadership traits which enabled Benazir Bhutto to emerge as a main political leader and as a Prime Minister of Pakistan? What were diverse challenges faced by Benazir Bhutto as a Prime Minister twice? How did she respond to various challenges as Prime Minister? How does the prism of female leadership unfold the personality of Benazir Bhutto as a female leader?