Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, daughter of former President Asif Ali Zardari and the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, recently spoke about her father’s role in Pakistan’s foreign policy. In a social media post and interview clip shared in early March 2026, she said: “My father is the reason that there are no American bases in Pakistan today.”
Bakhtawar was referring to her grandfather, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who served as Prime Minister from 1973 to 1977. During his time in power, Bhutto strongly opposed foreign military bases on Pakistani soil. He believed that allowing the US or any foreign bases would hurt Pakistan’s independence and sovereignty. He ended the lease of US intelligence facilities in the 1970s and made it clear that Pakistan would not allow any country to use its land for military purposes against other nations.
This policy became an important part of Pakistan’s national stand. Later governments, including those led by the Bhutto family, continued to follow this line. Even during the War on Terror, Pakistan allowed logistics support but refused permanent US military bases. Bakhtawar’s words reminded people of her grandfather’s firm decision and how it shaped Pakistan’s position.
Her statement received a lot of attention online. Many praised Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for protecting Pakistan’s pride and independence. Comments said things like “True leader,” “We are proud of Bhutto,” and “No foreign bases, that’s our strength.” Some younger people learned about this history for the first time.
Bakhtawar’s post shows how family legacy and national pride are still important topics in Pakistan. It also highlights the long-standing policy of not allowing foreign bases, a decision that started with her grandfather many years ago.
