KARACHI – Renowned Pakistani film star Shahid has claimed that he was aware of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s death sentence even before the official court verdict was announced. Speaking at a “Gup Shup” session organized by the Pakistan Film TV Journalists Association at the Karachi Press Club, the veteran actor shared behind-the-scenes details of one of Pakistan’s most significant political moments.
The Midnight Meeting with Justice Maulvi Mushtaq
Shahid revealed that due to personal family terms with Justice Maulvi Mushtaq, he visited the judge’s residence at 2:00 AM, just a night before the verdict was officially documented.
“I woke him up and pleaded with him not to award the death penalty to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” Shahid shared.
However, the actor noted that Justice Mushtaq reacted with anger. “He told me, ‘Are you a politician to talk like this? Remember, you are just a film actor.’ Later, Bhutto was executed, which in my view was a massive loss for Pakistan. After Quaid-e-Azam, Bhutto was the most charismatic political figure.”
On the Film Industry and Government Support
Reflecting on the golden era of Pakistani cinema, Shahid credited Bhutto’s tenure for the industry’s peak, stating that actors received unprecedented respect during that time. Addressing the current state of the industry, he emphasized that the revival of Pakistani cinema is impossible without state-funded film production and the construction of new cinemas. He suggested resuming joint film productions with Bangladesh, citing past successes. Furthermore, Shahid criticized the now-defunct National Film Development Corporation (NAFDEC) for failing to support producers and instead producing its own flop films like Aag Aur Khoon.
A Warm Welcome in Karachi
The actor expressed his deep gratitude for the love he consistently receives in Karachi. At the conclusion of the event, Shahid was honored with the traditional Sindhi Ajrak and Topi as a gesture of respect from the journalist community.
