Sassi Bhutto, daughter of the late Shahnawaz Bhutto, has arrived in Pakistan to attend events marking the 41st anniversary of her father’s death. The visit has also drawn attention because of her stay with First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.
Sassi Attends Father’s Death Anniversary Events
The 44-year-old lives in the United States with her mother, Rehana Bhutto. According to reports, she is visiting Pakistan as Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s guest.
Sassi is also the cousin of author Fatima Bhutto through both her paternal and maternal families. Their fathers, Shahnawaz Bhutto and Mir Murtaza Bhutto, were brothers. Meanwhile, their mothers, Rehana and Fouzia, are sisters.
Following former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s execution, Shahnawaz and Mir Murtaza went into exile. In 1980, they established the Pakistan Liberation Army, later renamed Al-Zulfiqar.
Mir Murtaza led the organisation, while Shahnawaz served as its operational chief. During their stay in Kabul, both brothers married sisters Rehana and Fouzia.
Property Dispute Draws Fresh Attention
Shahnawaz Bhutto died in Cannes, France, on July 18, 1985. A post-mortem concluded that poisoning caused his death.
French authorities investigated the case and briefly detained Rehana Bhutto before releasing her. However, the circumstances surrounding his death have remained publicly debated for decades.
Meanwhile, the Bhutto family’s long-running property dispute has resurfaced in recent years. The disagreement involves 70 Clifton, 71 Clifton, and agricultural land in Larkana and Naudero.
In May 2024, Sassi claimed legal ownership rights over 71 Clifton and agricultural land in Naudero. She alleged those rights had been taken from her unlawfully.
Her decision to stay with Aseefa Bhutto Zardari instead of other family members has attracted public attention. However, claims linking the visit to the property dispute remain unverified.
