Timeline  1947 to 1979


 1947

Studying abroad (US, then UK); no active politics yet.

late 1940s

Completed law studies at Oxford; returned to Pakistan in 1953.

Early 1950s

Lecturer in Law, Karachi University; wrote political essays.

1958

Appointed Minister of Commerce by Ayub Khan (youngest minister in cabinet).

1960-1962

Held portfolios; Information & Broadcasting; Fuel/Power/Natural Resources.

1963-1966

Foreign Minister of Pakistan; key role in Tashkent talks with India.

1966

Resigned from Ayub’s cabinet; formed Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in 1967 in Lahore.

1970

Contested general election as PPP leader; won majority in West Pakistan.

1971

Took over as President of Pakistan after Yahya Khan resigned (December), (Bhutto was First civilian dictator ).

1972-1973

President of Pakistan until August 1973; then Prime Minister until 1977.

1975

Still PM of Pakistan facing political unrest.

1975 August

Survived politically; in power.

1977
Overthrown by General Zia-ul-Haq in July 1977.

1979

Executed on 4 April 1979.