As Pakistan’s Foreign Minister (1963–66) he instigated a rapprochement with China and became known as an outspoken defender of his country’s interests. He formed the Pakistan People’s Party in 1967, coming to power as Pakistan’s first civilian President in 1971 and later (after constitutional changes) serving as Prime Minister. While in office, he did much to strengthen national morale and introduced social, constitutional, and economic reforms. He was ousted by a military coup and executed for conspiring to murder a political rival.