Fatima Bhutto

At the age of 14, Fatima Bhutto huddled in the corner of a closet shielding her baby brother while shots rang out in the streets outside her home. Those shots killed her father and continued the legacy of blood that marks her family and her country. Now, the Afghan-born Pakistani poet and writer speaks about a life lived in the shadow of political power and death.
Bhutto, the granddaughter of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and niece of Benazir Bhutto, studied at Columbia University and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. For the Wheeler Centre, Bhutto talks with SBS journalist Anton Enus about her remarkable memoir, Songs of Blood and Sword, which is at once the story of a family, a search for answers about the death of her father and a portrait of an accomplished young woman who must decide her role in Pakistan’s future.
Throughout the conversation, Bhutto is dismissive of political dynasties - including the ‘strange’ comparison of her own clan to the Kennedy family. She’s wary of mythologies which bestow special, separate qualities upon members of a ruling class, particularly when those qualities translate to a sense that their mistakes are excusable.
She offers a brief history of the Bhuttos' journey from feudal power to wealthy and influential family, and constantly reassures the audience that her future lies outside of politics, emphasising that ‘the idea that somehow six letters of a last name saddle you with some kind of duty or responsibility is a disingenuous one’. She later adds: ‘We were never raised to think of the country as some sort of family business that we sort of entered into once we came of age’.
Her interpretation of her nation’s fraught relationship with the US proposes that Pakistan’s financial reliance on US aid affects the political establishment rather than the welfare of everyday Pakistanis. Elites enjoy the material benefits of a diplomatic alliance while America draws comfort from a regional ally in the war on terror.
Of course, the true nature of the relationship is deeply complex. Bhutto herself is unconvinced by Pakistan’s denial that it knew of Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts, and insists the argument around the midnight capture-and-kill raid should take in the issue of a ‘hot pursuit’ agreement supposedly struck between the two states.
She asks: ‘Is Pakistan protecting its own back? Is Pakistan too frightened to admit that they assisted America in the operation because they fear reprisals from their own people? It certainly seems like it. And if America really does believe that Pakistan held back [information about Bin Laden], they’re going very soft on them.’
Much of the discussion returns to Bhutto’s infamous aunt and two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto. The younger Bhutto contests the prevalent international perception of Benazir as ‘feminist, liberal and democratic’. Instead, she describes her once-close relative - whom she formerly addressed by the nickname ‘Pinky’ - as a woman who made great compromises in her quest for power.
Bhutto spends some time talking about the Hudood Ordinance, introduced by Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in 1979 as part of Pakistan’s Islamisation - laws which stripped women of many human rights, and which the allegedly feminist Benazir allowed to remain intact through two terms as Prime Minister.
In the course of the conversation, a complex picture of a young nation emerges. As with many fledgling states, Pakistan’s adolescence has been marred by bloody conflict. And while Bhutto offers her thoughts on Benazir’s relationship to the deaths of her brothers Shahnawaz and (Fatima’s father) Murtaza - and the slain leader’s seemingly extraordinary ability to turn her back on her own family - she remains remarkably nonchalant about her own safety, suggesting that her advocating justice over revenge is a protection from the same fate.
Fatima Bhutto’s apparent ease is disarming. She occupies a unique position - as a woman with ideological conviction, born into a family intimately linked with Pakistani politics, but also as an individual seeking a life away from politics. The idea of leaving Pakistan doesn’t tempt her. As she explains: ‘At the end of the day, Pakistan is home. And, you know, if we leave it, we know in whose hands we’re leaving it. And that’s an even more frightening scenario, I think, than staying in the country’. Bhutto concludes, ‘The idea that this is Pakistan’s fate is unacceptable to Pakistanis.’
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[@arshadrehman6573]

I love the way how easily and effortlessly she answers the questions,while drinking bottle water.

[@bilaltirmazi]

Bhutto Family has a natural talent for speaking and good answers to the questions!

[@ManishKumar-rh9sh]

Well said. Unfortunately the western audience love such 'statespersons' from the sub-continent. They dont ask these inheritors where do they get the money for education abroad and a comfy lifestyle. And yet this bhutto is pontificating about corruption in Pakistan. Simple truth be told: the western world is perfectly fine with white-collared corruption.

[@ZH-Rocks]

Yes.thats called education..but she never touch the subject of her fathers hijacking .and act of terrorism.i call it me karoon to thik dosra karey to galat🤪

[@FishFinga17]

@@ManishKumar-rh9sh Did she not explain how her family started in farming coming from India. She did not sugarcoat how they started accumulating power. It's a woman being as open and transparent about her country that she clearly loves. Speaking from an "insiders" perspective. I'm not Pakistani, but I finally seem to have come across someone who could give me some idea of what modern day Pakistan is about, instead of catching the CNN soundbites, all be it this interview is more than six years old.

[@ctrldelete1763]

Allah's (swt) mercy.

[@shafquatzamankhan5932]

What an intelligent, articulate, charming, fascinating young lady! And so sensible and honest in her answers. She spoke in such a dignified and yet in such a candid manner about so many areas that affect Pakistan. I think Pakistan's masses need to be not just literate but highly educated. Only then will they be more politically conscious about a change that is long overdue in Pakistan - politically, culturally, socially and economically. My best wishes to Fatima Bhutto on her journey!

[@mrmirza7617]

She is the true successor of Bhutto legacy. We would be fortunate if her services could be of any substance to my country and its under previlieged masses. Person of her stature exceptionally talented and multi faceted with global image should not be wasted away . Hats off to this most elegant and graceful lady of our times , a rare combination of beauty + brain.

[@muhammadraja4684]

She is from feudal family of Sindh where even in 2019 basic essentials of life such as education, health, house, clothes and clean water is not available. She move around the globe lecture on human rights but never try to improve the lives of people who for generations kept in darkness by her family

[@saminamohiuddin8275]

I agree.

[@saminamohiuddin8275]

I agree to Raja.

[@fessellsahmed2587]

She is lying on Osama. Not a single photo or video showing the killing.

[@masoodahmed8265]

@@saminamohiuddin8275with ur agree or disagree, truth will not change. Wake up u are still in sleep, a person who is famous in whole world through her work and world calls her for interview it means alot.

[@tahirmustafa2114]

Feudal family!? Noone survives in this cursed family The wealth the true bhuttos"not Zardaris" Was acquired by the land they themselves had cultivated... What is fatima!? Is she a pm or a politician? She is nothing but maybe a bystander witness or an analyst.. She is raising awareness what more do you want her to do? You cant ask victims to always save others from cruelty too getting over Trauma is not a piece of cake

[@adeelyousaf1907]

Wao. Fatima is true intellectual lady. Very rare in today's political families

[@mirmohammadbashirbashir5180]

as compared to Balawal she is by far brilliant and blessed with political acumen, by all means she deserves to carry political legacy of her grandfather.

[@Native2015]

She clearly goes on her aunt benazir.

[@sultanawan786]

Excellent and very eloquent presentation of views. Fatima Bhutto stands waist shoulder and head above the incompetent clueless Zardaris masquerading as Bhuttos.

[@hopeserenity9888]

Awaan are called HAIWAANS... You should know this too

[@MrMajor28]

A smart young lady with remarkable intellect who wisely distanced herself from the dirty political gimmick of Pakistan. She is doing good job to raise the awareness level of Pakistani public from abroad with her writing, lecturing and interviews etc and wait for the opportune moment to make entry back home to lead the people in right direction.

[@MichelMawon4982]

Interesting...and understandable, but she seemed to get uncomfortable everything he mentioned her aunt...wow, it seems just as I wrote my comment, she was about to go in on her aunt's record. I appreciate her honesty, it's refreshing that she doesn't have blinders on because it's her aunt and treats her legacy with kid gloves because of the tragic way she died. I have tremendous respect for that level of integrity.

[@Qasibr]

I really respect the way Fatima Bhutto stood up for Pakistan. She was intelligent and not defensive at all. I really wish and hope someone as brilliant as her, has a role in government.

[@asm52715]

She seems to be very intelligent and is for sure highly educated. Very eloquent and looks like she is honest and truthful.

[@zeeruckk]

@Big Jig She knows politics, might even have political aspirations, but is certainly not after power in Pakistan. She can speak. She can write.

[@dinozaurpickupline4221]

@Big Jig she is the rightful heir of ppp recently married i think as well but her brother has gone berserk like he paints for hours dresses like a free floater & some have speculated like he's homosexual.she has remained shielded & have no interest in politics like quaid e azam's family who are literally doing business with india & are billionares perhaps even richer than nawaz or zardari,they have built steel,flight & textile business & they manage several key ties wiith international peop'e whom they have used to profit

[@sobia7328]

Mullah Umar lived all his life right next to American troops camp in Afghanistan, American mistake is an honest mistake and Pakistan mistake is a blunder................interesting

[@ziauddinahmed4190]

_

[@musharafabbas3346]

I haven't words for Fatima Bhutto. She explained her view in an extraordinary way.

[@muhammadhanif8686]

Fatima seem a patriotic and truly explained her views

[@exquisitexmiss7954]

very gentle and clear headed

[@arsalakhan8098]

What a great young woman who decided not to enter the family business but remains relevant as an observer with inside knowledge. I happened to listen to her in Yorkshire during her tour to promote her thoughts as well as the book. She certainly is a well spoken and articulate person who should enter acadaemia to give students insights into how to look into a particularly complex phenomenon, analyse and critique it. I say this because as an acadaemic I notice that critical analysis in humanities, social sciences is less important then describing it which in no way explains anything. Fatima didn't waffle, go off on tangents and responded with to the point answers as she did to the questioner from Lahore. Wonderful hour plus that refreshed the memory of my participation in her talk and getting a signed book too.

[@YasirAli-rd8ve]

Because she doesn't need anymore money .. she has alreadybeen given 13000 acres of farming land in india as she inherited this from his great grandfather sir shahnawaz bhutto. As whom been a title of sir.. was entitled to receive that land. Why would she need to get her hands harden to get more money

[@bafzh1986]

I love the way how she defended Pakistanis! Pakistani doesn't need Americans! 👏

[@arifyounas9687]

Such a mature and intelligent woman in her young age

[@najeebirfani6676]

FATIMA BHUTTO IS EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT AND WRITER I OFTEN READ HER ARTICLES I WISH FATIMA SHOULD JOIN PAKISTAN POLITICS IT WOULD BE B WONDERFUL CHANGE FOR NEW GENERATIONS TO MAKE PAKISTAN MARVELOUS COUNTRY THANKS

[@kesharkhadkapunwar2029]

Ms.Fatima Bhutto, 👏🌹🌹 Greeting from Nepal !! 🇳🇵Hail Nepal !!!

[@elephanttiger]

What an amazing lady! So eloquent, so clear with her thinking

[@hopeserenity9888]

Bullshit.. hope you don't use your arse to think...

[@sarahmuneer3666]

Beauty With Brains 💓

[@waheedakhtarchaudhry146]

Very true history. Need to learn a lesson.

[@bluewater3571]

Eloquent speaker. Has potential. May God give SINCERITY a chance.

[@SanaUllah-mu5de]

Dil ki gahrion se nyk khahishat Fatima Bhutto kay lye Good bless her Sanaullah Ranjha

[@navidmalik5054]

Impressive. You can know her feelings & thoughts about pakistan. She never spoken anything bad about Army, Govt as well as about any other person, even about her own family despite too much troubles unlike Sharifs.....

[@kimreed5316]

which weed do you smoke. She is mocking everyone.

[@Native2015]

​@Kim Reed exactly lol they don't know what they are talking about.

[@anwarkhan3112]

Although this interview is very old..ماشاءاللہ ...The Granddaughter of our Great Leader, presented a comprehensive and comparative review of the past and present with a beautiful ideological style..it has now become a part of the history November 2020...Pakistani people as a whole, are ignorant of the difference between the good and evil and consciousness...Due to this factors, the people of Pakistan tragically not only have failed to get there rights, but they are also trying to hinder the development of Pakistan.

[@shazadmughal3515]

My best pray of today Fatima stay bless & safe.

[@amjadpervaiz3061]

تاثرات genuine Bhutto ... love Fatma... Stay blessed

[@user-gc6ry2xq6f]

Abe ese burka pahna nhi to Islam khatre me par zayega

[@MrSully110]

Amazing. What an intelligent and articulate young lady. Very graceful. Proud of her as a daughter of Pakistan.

[@mike1601dam]

So true.

[@zarrarzaytooni7442]

MashaAlla abussutly ur interw And speech spking pawer and face inspraion very nice looking smart

[@AbdulHamid-tg5ci]

Wonderful interview I have ever watched. She is very inteligent.

[@NusratRizvi-ox3fg]

She is very smart in placing all blames away from her own family. Not once did she admit that Bhuttos were the first politicians to open accounts in other countries and not once mentioned the huge real estate they bought in UK. Somehow they feel they were called upon by destiny to rule Pakistan, yet no one ever mention Bhuttos mom was a dancing girl in a Rajas palace. No mention was ever made her grand dad received knighthood and wealth from the Brits for supplying 50000 troop to fight and get killed in North Africa fighting Rommel. No mention was made how this family when in power jailed opponents and at times have them murdered. How is this for PR?

[@nabibakhsh1632]

Fatima Bhutto seems nervous during interview as she is drinking water after very short intervals however she is good spoke woman. In future she can join politics hope to be successful. Engr.Nabi Bakhsh Lahore

[@NusratRizvi-ox3fg]

@@nabibakhsh1632 Dear Nabi Bakhsh Sahib, If you are so keen to see her in power, may I suggest you send her your own money thereby negating her need to steal it from state treasury as all Bhuttos have done from very beginning.

[@Indusxstan]

Nusrat Rizvi your knowledge is exceptional.

[@imtiazahmadwattanyar3736]

FATIMAH ! The " THE REAL " LEGACY OF Z۔ A ۔ BHUTTO ۔💐💐💐🌹

[@Shivaji931]

Ohhh Bullshit. She is her own woman

[@tariqchaudhry4595]

She is More intelligent than Bilawal Zardari Bhuto.

[@hearty786]

@ Tariq Chaudry, I can foresee Fatima Bhutto 'll fill the gape in family politics sooner rather than later, because I don't see nobody is as charismatic , intelligent, eloquent and an out spoken and honest person left in Bhutto Family...

[@kumailn7662]

What she will say about his uncle Zardari? Who ruined the whole sindh province, especially Karachi.

[@sakinadar1464]

Excellent speaker. Beauttifull young Woman.

[@mehboobnawaz6735]

Intelligent lady with wisdom and vision.

[@bobbythebobtail]

Fascinating interview...

[@assa-je5sp]

An outstanding conversation with Fatima.

[@santoshsabharwal9029]

Thanks

[@mrmirza7617]

She evaded the most pertinent question in the mind of every Pakistani , why did BB choose Zardari? Purportedly an undergraduate. A Punjabi folklore has it that a woman's intelligence is embedded in her heel. She delivered nothing for Pakistan except 3 Zardaris. Good to know that Fatima is not joining politics which in Pakistan is synonymous with vice. Her patriotism and concern for the welfare of her country and its downtrodden people is praiseworthy, however any Muslim aspiring a meaningful role in our society must be well versed in the knowledge of the Holy Koran and Hadith.

[@tahirmustafa2114]

Only christians write Quran as Koran Also man thanks for calling pakistani women dumb... Great 🙄

[@mirzaanwar7099]

My pray is for Fatima to safe from enemies

[@foziaibrahim4625]

Pretty intelligent woman .I think she takes part in politics

[@antidhimi3443]

anybody in that land speaks against "military junta", disappears without trace.

[@gopalrajkumar7323]

She is brilliant because of the contextuality of her description of the Pakistani and her family's political landscape. She is smart. Her narrative is not coloured by "feminism" ("but there are many men who have been put to death because of the blasphemy laws and we don't get to hear of it). I dare say she is a feminist, but not defined by western feminism. Women try to draw her into the western political narratives of feminism and liberalism and she avoids them with facts and balanced answers. She holds her own. She is not defined by the Bhuttos, Islam or western feminism or the US.

[@faizanawanmalik6241]

Good write bhutto Sub.. APS.. SCHOOL.. SIALKOT...

[@alqawi3874]

Your anti was controlled by her husband. Mr Zulfiqar. She had no one left. No brothers no father. Wake up Fatima and bilawal. Wake up

[@ghulamsarwar7521]

Greatest bhutto ki great poti . Bhutto zindabad.

[@muhammadnaeembutt4741]

Very nice Great leader Fatima bhutto

[@muhammadinamulhaq8435]

MASHALLAH

[@syedmujtabakazmi793]

Good Mashallaha

[@mirzaanwar7099]

Fatima bhutto needs to try Urdu language in press conference

[@yasmeenkhan8228]

Impressive

[@drmisbahkhurshid6]

You showed sincerity with your country Pakistan, it was a good gesture on your behalf. You expressed your thoughts v well. There is one suggestion from my side that you should study Quran and Tafseer of it. Quran is the curriculum of every Muslim. your knowledge is otherwise appreciable.

[@sardarzadamohammadyunussah4273]

The jewel of Pakistan who has been presenting Pakistan's case on the world stage on her own.... She should come into politics to get her potential and immense talent utilized.... mere intellectual talks won't bring any change in the masses of Pakistan's lives...we have to be practical too.... This way she has only highly educated audiences...who have nothing to do with the real issues of this great land...

[@farrukhh5346]

Fatima you are so much intelligent MASH Allah

[@yasirabro7673]

Genius girl I love her...

[@altafhussaingorar]

Great personality of Bhutto Family .

[@khanlalaje]

Asking Fatima Bhutto about OBL is just like asking world leaders about Literature.

[@maximillion9800]

Love u fatima sister

[@mehboobnawaz6735]

Doing great job , I praise her for not involving or thinking to participate in pakistani politics , no doubt she is well competent, and there is no comparison between intelligent,well educated deserving sensible and eloquent @Fatima Bhutto and Baby Bilawal zardari or baby asifa zardari, But with out involving in politics she is doing great and achieving her goals.❤👍👍

[@a.j.brohi5834]

PAKISTAN HAS NEVER BEEN SAFE HEAVEN FOR TRUE POLITICIANS AND FATIMA BHUTTO SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM PAK POLITICS. THE WAY SHE CONDEMNS INTERNATIONAL FORCES SHE MUST NOT DO THAT. WE THE PAKISTANIS, THE LOVERS OF TRUE LEADERS ARE VERY MUCH CONCERNED OVER HER SAFETY. BECAUSE BLOOD HOUNDS ARE STILL IN SEARCH OF MORE BHUTTOS !

[@arsalakhan8098]

The comparison between the Bhuttos and the Kennedy is unfortunate given that the Boston originated Irish Americans were selfmade family whereas Bhutto senior was a child of a Bombay Hindu courtesan who bore a child by a visitor to the dance house, a euphemism for a brother, being far away from his home in Larkana, Sindh - Bombay was where the Bombay Presidency Legislative Assembly sat and ZABs father represented his constituency. The loneliness and then falling into the arms of a much younger courtesan was inevitable. The young woman was kept by Motilal Nehru, father of Jawarhirlal the first PM of India. The elder Nehru was very old and died leaving his 'mistress' without support but Shah Nawaz Bhutto took over the upkeep of the newly abandoned young lady. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was born and the mother named him Ghasi Ram as per her Hindu faith. When the young an was a few years old his putative father took him into his family and raised him as a Muslim away from his mother who remained in Bombay. Fatima's grandfather retained his Indian nationality despite spending time in Sindh more and was finally persuaded by Pak leaders since he had a failing law practice in the national capital Karachi. The rest is history as the ambitious Bhutto used his Iranian origin beauty wife to climb the ladder - this paractise is common in both India and Pakistan.

[@sardarsiddique6980]

She is the legitimate and legal heir of Butto family. She is a great leadership asset of Pakistan. Unfortunately may not b able to play her role till.....no more comments

[@mirzaanwar7099]

We wish Fatima bhutto stands in shahed bhutto group Pakistan

[@hasnainkhattak2158]

i really like her views. i hope she joins tehrike insaaf rather than nationalists or comrades or revolutionary etc. i beleive if she change only one image like that her father was right against zia and was not against pakistan. if she sells it she can change things in pakistan and will be acceptable to majority. even zia sympathiser should be forgiven as many are his followers. despite difference of opinion as she is gr8 thinker she should think out of box and not repeat mistakes of her father. Instead what benazir couldnt do she can avenge and prove many maority wrng. she should stand with principles but avoid clashes. she should be more wise as she and should become leader of pakistan. good lucl!

[@nisarahmad2309]

Granddaughter of a great leader. When i compare with Asifa Bhutto, Asifa is mush mitured politician and foresee as a future leader. While listening her interview with foreign media, she had grip on world politics and local as well.

[@abooswalehmosafeer173]

Fascinating.

[@presssociety250]

What an inspiring interview by Fatima Bhutto... And the question from the man from Lahore was just stupid

[@janorakzai8988]

V v good

[@ramajeed]

If OBL was killed in real then then why his dead body face was not shown.?

[@muhammedzubair9631]

Excellent

[@muhammadpervez4009]

your thoughts are scientific and realistic.

[@nitinkataria7395]

Yes, for you folks at least Mr. Pervez, really scientific and really realistic, theologically speaking.

[@mustafaabbasi16]

fatima bhutto u and junior zulifqar are last hope from bhutto family . Allah bless u and your family.

[@clan3206]

Good lidar💯💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@fan5566]

A qualified and genius girl

[@humanrightsdefense750]

Fatima Bhutto is my leader!!

[@afzalgujar8655]

Nice g

[@nonenone9450]

A loving and beautifully intellectual girl, you are a real bhutto, Lots of love from U.S

[@rukrupani9712]

Bull F'ing Shit, she is ZARDARI.

[@TabletGuy]

AAA = Allah Army America, thats so true!

[@sumairbabarbaloch2196]

I love bhutto family

[@epzilon9419]

excelent wowan😍👍😎

[@dr.bashirkhan7780]

Miss Fatima Bhoto plz come forward to help Mr. IMRAN KHAN. And plz ďo a soon as possible all Pakistanis are awaiting bcz you are the real heirs of Bhoto family.

[@zarrarzaytooni7442]

Nice. She is. Gorgeous position She. Very handsome MashaAlla Fatima is geart ledar I too. Like.

[@zarrarzaytooni7442]

MashaAlla she very younger And very intelligent 👌 Looking smart

[@jameelhussain7614]

She should come to Pakistan to fight against the dynasty...

[@Kashifnasir89]

8:50 we don't need America, I think i love her

[@UsmanKhan-el1kz]

nice analysis of the situation, humor on point, beautiful

[@wasiwasi7798]

Beautiful ❤️

[@rashidahmad2586]

What an intelligent girl, Fatima.

[@ibraheemandsisters1664]

The name Fatima is very good name

[@shehzadqaiser154]

Fatima Bhutto A genius of Pakistan I lv her Fane of her from years

[@qadirkhan5015]

she is amazing

[@akhtarhussain6845]

Mam u r areal bhotto u r inttellegent young lady u should come in to the politicse of pakistan if u agree I will stand by u through thick and thin,Akhtar Hussain bhatti adv pindi bhattian Punjab,pakistan,

[@gulshangul1208]

V nice

[@zahidislam8221]

Very informative and enlightening.

[@iftekharhassan8448]

While I do not have any sympathy for her grandfather former PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (An awful person as what he did to disintegrate Pakistan in 1971) Beside that most Bhutto family is known as corrupt from top to bottom. I do not know much about Fatima......so I wish her well.

[@tahirmustafa2114]

Zardari family is not bhutto...

[@santoshsabharwal9029]

A rational and effective way

[@sajidrasheedkhan652]

Very impressive interview!

[@fessellsahmed2587]

Why can't Fatima say NO PROOF of Osama in Pakistan and tell the truth? Is it so hard? First 9 11 lie and now this bizarre story.