Chapter Four, Caught in a Coup Summary and Analysis

Islamabad has been the capital of Pakistan since 1959; it is full of parliamentary buildings. The Pakistani government has eighty senators elected every six years by four provinces (each having an equal number); the Senate has limited power. The National Assembly is more like the American House of Representatives and can pass laws and budgets. It has 237 members that serve five-year terms. When Bhutto arrived home, her father was grateful because he wanted her help. He gave her a government job.

However, on the night of July 7th, 1977 the Brigadier General Zia led the army to stage a coup against Ali Bhutto. Bhutto contacted Zia and Zia said that he would hold an election in ninety days and that Ali was under house arrest. Bhutto's father had Nusrat and the children return...