Bhutto, Nusrat (1929–)
Bhutto, Nusrat (1929–)
First lady of Pakistan and politician. Name variations: Begum Nusrat Bhutto. Born Nusrat Isphahani in Bombay, India, Mar 23, 1929; dau. of Mirza Mohamed Isphahani and Fatima Sultana Isphahani; m. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (president and prime minister of Pakistan, 1971–77), in 1951; children: 2 daughters, including Benazir Bhutto (b. 1953, politician), and 2 sons, including Shahwanaz (d. 1985).
Began career as a university lecturer; was captain in the Women's National Guard (1947–48); was first lady of Pakistan (1971–77); served as chair of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (1974–77); elected to National Assembly (1977); following coup against husband, was imprisoned (1977–80); became head of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the leading member of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy; with daughter Benazir, became co-chair of the party (1986); began to serve on National Assembly (1988); when Benazir Bhutto became prime minister of Pakistan (1988), was appointed senior minister; saw fortunes rise and fall with those of her daughter.
See also Women in World History.