Benazir Bhutto (21 June 1953 – 27 December 2007) was the first women elected to lead a Muslim state as a Prime Minister. Popularly known as "The Iron Lady of Pakistan", Benazir Bhutto opened the doors of politics for women in Pakistan. Not only did she become the first woman to head a major political party, but she went on to become the first and, till this day, the only female Prime Minister of Pakistan. She served this powerful position twice in her lifetime, from 1988–1990 and 1993–1996.
For a decade (1986-96) Benazir Bhutto has been the most dynamic and somewhat controversial, yet popular, leader in Pakistan. To many Pakistanis, Bhutto was a leader who spoke for them, their needs and their hopes. She revealed courage, imagination and astute political thinking during her time holding high government positions in Pakistan. These characteristics were evident in her handling of the Pakistani military rule and in the process facilitated a democratic transition. She was a transformational leader as she constantly looked forward and was moderate with a democratic disposition. She aspired to transform Pakistan into an economically developed, democratic, socially tolerant, modern nation-state. During her term as the Prime Minister, she brought about several political and economic policies for industrial development and growth. She favored denationalization of state-owned corporations and took a hard stand against trade unions and rigid labor markets.While in office, she brought electricity to the countryside and built schools all over the country. She made hunger, housing and health care her top priorities, and looked forward to continuing to modernize Pakistan. However, high levels of corruption, escalating unemployment and stifling recession brought about an end to her governance. Her illustrious career was cut short due to her assassination in December 2007 while she was campaigning for another term as Prime Minister.
"The forces of moderation and democracy must, and will, prevail against extremism and dictatorship. I will not be intimidated. I will step out on the tarmac in Karachi not to complete a journey, but to begin one. Despite threats of death, I will not acquiesce to tyranny, but rather lead the fight against it.”
