Picking up the pieces script

Picking up the Pieces
By
Moazzam Husain
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Picking up the Pieces, Screenplay by Moazzam Husain.
2008.All Rights Reserved.
1

The High Concept
What if two parts of a country go to war with each other? What if at the height of this
civil war a powerful neighbor invades and breaks up the country into two parts
leaving it defeated and humiliated. Its economy is bankrupt and its people have been
left despairing, restive and angry.
In many ways the crisis Pakistan faces in 1971 is the worst in history. It is now left to
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to manage the aftermath of the crisis once the fighting is over.
Bhutto is an unorthodox player who has been dealt a poor hand. He has one chance to
play it. It is now time for the audience to judge how well he plays his hand.
As Bhutto begins to pick up the pieces, he faces one obstacle after another. At stake is
the survival of the country that is going to pieces. An episodic series of events follow
as he attempts to chart out a destiny for his country and regain its lost glory.
This 60 minute docu-drama recreates some of those episodic moments that make
history. It is intended to be complemented by 30 minutes of intervening discussions,
interviews and narrative to complete a 2 part TV series on this important chapter in
history.
To ensure historical accuracy, the events are taken from authoritative, mostly
published sources. A key one that deserves mention is Professor Stanley Wolpert’s
“Zulfi Bhutto of Pakistan”, which remains the most authoritative and best researched
work on the subject.
The screenwriter, Moazzam Husain is a student of History and Political Science. He is
also a Business Manager, an Entrepreneur and Marketing consultant.
2

ANGRY NOISES
Bastards, Drunkards, Disgraceful, Shame
INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
A riot like situation; Junior army officers of the Rawalpindi
Garrison are hooting down Lieutenant General Hamid Khan from
the podium.
His composure together with that of other senior generals
sitting in the front row has completely collapsed.
SUPERIMPOSE: National Defense College Rawalpindi; December 20, 1971. 4 days
after the fall of Dhaka.
INT. STOCK SHOTS - NEWSPAPERS
Dhaka falls. Niazi surrenders to Indian Armed forces
Niazi lays down arms
Surrender in the East
EXT. CROWDS RIOT OUTSIDE HOUSE – DAY
ANGRY MAN
Death to Yahya Khan.Traitor, coward.
The man violently sprinkles petrol from a jerry can into the
plants along the boundary wall.
Another man pelts a lit molotov cocktail across the boundary
wall.
A brick hits the name plate: General Yahya Khan.
Another brick smashes the light on the gate pillar above.
Men are jumping over the boundary wall.
EXT CAMERA PANS OUT TO FULL VIEW
Crowds are setting fire to General Yahyas house in Peshawar.
MONTAGE OF SHOTS - PUBLIC REACTS TO DEFEAT
A young woman picks up the morning paper. Her face turns pale as she scans
3

the headline. She drops the paper, turns around and runs back inside.
An elderly man answers the phone. Starts trembling on receiving the
horrifying news. Sits down and loosens tie to regain composure.
A group of young boys pelts stones at a military truck.
College students in a class hear the news from a late arriving
colleague. They pick up their things and walk out.
EXT. - CROWD DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE GOVERNOR HOUSE, LAHORE
– DAY
ANGRY MAN 1
If the army can’t fight the Indians, give us the
weapons...
ANGRY MAN 1
Bring out the weapons...give us the weapons to
fight.
EXT CAMERA PANS OUT TO FULL VIEW
A large crowd demonstrates outside the gate of a large colonial
mansion.
SUPERIMPOSE: PUNJAB GOVERNOR HOUSE, LAHORE
CUT TO:
EXT. RAWALPINDI AIRPORT RUNWAY – DAY
A Boeing 707 carrying Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto approaches to land.
Large crowds have gathered to receive.
Bhutto is seen leaving the airport in a blue Mercedes driven by Mustafa
Khar.
INT. INSIDE THE CAR – DAY
We are now on the back seat of the Mercedes with Khar at the wheel. The
car approaches the gate of the Presidents house that is invisible behind
high barbed wire walls.
A sentry opens the gate to let the car in.
INT. INSIDE THE PRESIDENTS HOUSE - DAY
In a plush parlour room Generals Yahya and Hamid Khan are sipping brandy
4

on a cold Rawalpindi evening. The men are visibly suffering from sleep deficit. The
blinds are closed and the room is dimly lit with lamps while flames of a log fire dance
in the fireplace. An air of despair & dejection clouds the room.
As Bhutto enters, both rise to receive him. Clad in an immaculate black
suit, Bhutto is composed and unnerved.
As the men exchange greetings, Yahya nods and gestures Bhutto to the seat
adjacent him. Instead Bhutto walks to the opposite side and comfortably occupies a
large leather armchair near the fireplace.
Some fumbling is heard among the Generals as they adjust themselves. There are a
few seconds of tense silence until Yahya opens the dialogue.
YAHYA
We were overwhelmed in the Eastern sector.
The population was against us. World opinion was
against us. But now we must make amends and learn
from our mistakes. At this point the army must take
a back seat and the elected representatives must be
brought in to run the country.
A brief pause and then General Hamid elaborates for him
HAMID
The conditions are anarchic. The situation is not
easy to control especially for a civilian
administration. So the civilian set up will need
the strong backing of the Army. What the President
is proposing...
Yahya gestures Hamid to stop and himself continues...
YAHYA
The country needs a new constitution. I shall
promulgate a new constitution tomorrow and we need
you to take charge as Prime Minister. [PAUSES]
YAHYA
Upon assuming charge you will call for a session of
the national assembly and seek a vote of
confidence.[PAUSES]
YAHYA
After that Martial law will be lifted and I shall
remain only as President.
Bhutto is gazing at the palm of his hand. As he begins to speak, his gaze
remains fixed on his palm as if reading from a book.
5

BHUTTO
I am afraid the situation is far graver than you
think, General. The people will not accept you in
any capacity. I have to tell you that your time is
up and you must step aside. We need a clean break.
YAHYA
I know the situation.The intelligence reports ISI,
the MI tell me...look I am also aware that you and
I have to handle it together.It will be difficult
but we can do it. That was the basis on which you
contested elections.
BHUTTO
Yes but the emergence of Bangladesh has changed all
that.
BHUTTO
We are looking at a different situation today.
BHUTTO
If I have to make a new beginning, I need full and
effective control of the entire administration. The
PPP has a monumental agenda and people are waiting
for results.
BHUTTO
I have no time to waste.
YAHYA
Do you think the Presidents job is easy? Specially
in the present circumstances?
Bhutto looks away.
YAHYA
Ok Ok. So become President in my place, but you
need me to remain C in C and CMLA. At least for a
while until we lift martial law. The situation is
tenuous and you need the army.
Bhutto now looks straight at Yahya
BHUTTO
But the army is not with you. Rahim and Gul Hassan
have spoken clearly. Gul Hassan is in control of
the GHQ and strongly feels you must go. Several
Brigadiers are threatening to march to Rawalpindi
to get rid of you. If this goes public, ....
6

Bhutto is holding up his palm sideways. Realising that he is getting
carried away with words he pauses. Regains composure, then in a low tone
of voice
BHUTTO
Let me show you a glimpse of the future: if you
don't step aside, there will be anarchy within the
army possibly another Civil war in West Pakistan.
Your own people will oust you and try you for the
breakup of Pakistan.
BHUTTO
On the other hand, my offer to you is this: Resign,
and you will not be persecuted. You have my word on
that.
BHUTTO
And that is final.
We gradually move to close view of Yahya's dejected face. Extreme close
up.
DISSOLVE TO:
Passing out parade, Indian Military Academy,Dehra Dun, 1939.
A young officer cadet walks up to a stage, salutes. The senior officer
returns the salute and pins ranks on young Yahya's shoulder.
VO
Passing out, 2nd Lieutenant, Agha Mohammad Yahya
Khan
DISSOLVE TO:
A young army captain leading his troops to the war front.
VO
More news from action in the East, this morning 2
infantry battalions of the East Bengal Rifles successfully
repelled an enemy counteroffensive in Mandalay.
This is the BBC world service.
DISSOLVE TO:
President Ayub Khan pins ranks on General Yahya Khan
RADIO NEWSREADER V.O
This is Radio Pakistan, first the headlines. In a
7

ceremony today, President Ayub Khan swore in
General Yahya Khan as the Commander in Chief of the
Pakistan Army. Yahya Khan brings a distinguished
military record...
A few men clad in warm shawls sitting on a charpai (string bed) at a tea stall listen
to President Ayub's speech, 1969 as he hands over reins of power to
General Yahya. [Actual footage]
DISSOLVE TO:
Dissolves back to close up of Yahya's dejected face.
YAHYA'S VOICE O.S.
Today, I General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan,
President of Pakistan relinquish all powers to...
Voice morphs to Bhutto's
INT - PEOPLE WATCH BHUTTOS SPEECH ON TV – DAY
BHUTTO'S SPEECH FOOTAGE
We are facing the worst crisis in the country's
life, a deadly crisis. We have to pick up the
pieces, but we will make a new Pakistan, a
prosperous & progressive Pakistan, a Pakistan free
from exploitation..
MONTAGE - CROWDS CHEERING BHUTTO
Addressing rally in Lahore - crowds cheer.
Addressing people on TV –
Celebrations in progress.
Addressing parliament – Thumping Applause
EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ESTABLISHING, NIGHT
We open on a night shot of a sprawling colonial mansion.
The lights are on and we hear the chatter of voices from the
inside.
A stately black car enters the house to drop off a dignitary.
8

SUPERIMPOSE: GOVERNMENT HOUSE, RAWALPINDI
INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE, NIGHT
A plush cocktail lounge, while people stand chatting in small
groups, the mood is sombre and serious.
We gradually close in on one group in the centre of the room.
Standing together with glasses in hand are Bhutto, Rafi Raza,
Mubashir Hassan and Mustafa Khar.
BHUTTO
No no no Rafi. We cannot scrap Martial law this
early. We need a constitutional arrangement in place
before that.... besides I need Martial law powers to
deal with many things. We have to tackle priorities
first.
KHAR
There is crisis in the army. People want to see some
heads roll. We have to retire some Generals, appoint
a new C in C... otherwise God knows what will happen
if we don't act fast.
BHUTTO
Yes leave that one with me. I'm meeting Gul Hasan and
Jilani later today to finalise that.
BHUTTO
People are restless, their dreams have been
shattered. Now they see hope and they want to see
results.
KHAR
There are shortages of wheat, sugar and electricity.
Prices are rising.
BHUTTO
Not good. This will aggravate the situation. A
government in Pakistan can handle all problems but it
cannot cope with a genuine shortage of wheat or a
serious rise in its price.
KHAR
So give more incentives to farmers. More land under
cultivation, more irrigation water.
BHUTTO
Careful. Careful. Give too many concessions to
9

farmers and the consequences will tell on cities
where the population is vocal. The majority of people
live in the countryside but it is the cities and
towns that bring revolution.
Pauses while the others listen attentively.
BHUTTO
So increase production but maintain reasonable
prices. Use subsidies or some other means. Mubashir, I want you to call a
conference in January. Involve the provincial governments... the ministry of
agriculture, finance...yes involve the planning commission as well.
BHUTTO
Get everyone around the table and consider everything... yields per acre,
irrigation water, additional water reservoirs, the landlord tenant
equation...review the wheat problem top to bottom. Then crack it before it
cracks us.
We are now viewing the grand old mansion from the outside
garden. Light filters out from the windows as we hear the
sound of crickets in the foliage on this cold Rawalpindi
night. Bhuttos voice is still coming through from inside.
BHUTTO V.O
Besides I do not want to rely on wheat supplies under
US PL 480 program. Yes and dovetail this exercise
with our land reforms program which we plan to
unfold.
INT. PRESIDENTS OFFICE - DAY
Sentry stands guard. The door opens and Mahmud Ali Kasuri steps inside and
stops in his feet. A young man in uniform appears right behind him. He is
the ADC to President.
ADC
[standing in attention posture, raises his voice]
Mr President, Mr Mahmud Ali Kasuri.
As soon as the brief announcement is over Mahmud Ali Kasuri walks up to
the President, shakes hands and is gestured to occupy the seat across the
table.
The adjacent one is occupied by a man with black wavy hair in thick rimmed
glasses.
BHUTTO
Come in Mahmud. Rafi and I were discussing the
10

urgency for new legislation. See...our
manifesto..it requires a lot of legislation to be
in place, old laws reviewed. Mahmud for you I want
to give you the law ministry. You have struggled
for civil liberties and your role at the time we
wrote the manifesto, I need you to get things in
place quickly.
Mahmud is taken aback, almost as if disappointed.
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
Well then how about Rafi? He's cut out for the job
better than the rest of us.
BHUTTO
No no, I have other work for Rafi. I want you to do
this.
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
Thank you for the offer but I'd much rather stay in
Lahore at this stage...
BHUTTO
Mahmud, the party's interest is supreme at the
moment. Sort out the law ministry for me first. We
can look at your preferences and other appointments
at a later stage.
Mahmud considers for a few seconds, then,
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
Thank you. It'll be as you wish.
BHUTTO
Mahmud, with you there I'll be more at ease.
Kasuri leaves.
Bhutto turns to Rafi.
BHUTTO
See how he wanted to stay in Lahore to control the
province.
RAFI
I am not sure he could be thinking of such things
this early.
BHUTTO
Rafi I know Punjab politics well. The bastard wants
11

to stay in Lahore. He will undermine Khar and go
after his weak spots. Meanwhile he will position
himself as an alternate candidate for the Punjab
Governership. I know their minds. I know these
tactics.
RAFI
So now at least you've got Punjab sorted out, with
Mustafa Khar as Governor.
A bunch of newspapers lie on his desk and Bhutto picks up one. He glances
at a story on the back page.
BHUTTO
I'm more worried about... about Balochistan. The
tribes...they are restive and the tribal chiefs, the
sardars are defiant. Yet we need to do business with
Khair Bukhsh Marri, Attaulla Mengal and Akbar
Bugti.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. VAST OPEN TERRAIN – DAY
We open on an aerial view. Vast expanse of parched red rock
and sand terrain.
As we descend we can see the contours of the land. Sand dunes,
rocks and small barren hills in the distance. A consistent
jingle of a bell around a camels neck can be heard.
SUPERIMPOSE: Baluchistan, United India 1943
As we come down further a man leads the camel by the rein
walks barefoot crossing the desert. The man is about 60, with
a white beard, wearing flowing white robes and a white turban.
A child about 10 years old is on the camel back.
CHILD
Grandpa, how much longer now?
GRANDFATHER
Be patient. You will see the stars come out in the
sky, we have a lot of land to cover before that.
CHILD
So much land. Grandpa whose land is this?
GRANDFATHER
12

Child, all this land belongs to our people. The
tribes of Baluchistan.
CHILD
As far as I can see?
GRANDFATHER
Yes all of it. And all that is beneath it and all
that is above it.
Child looks up at the day sky, his eyes half shut as he
overcomes the glare.
CHILD
Including the sky grandpa?
GRANDFATHER
Yes
CHILD
And the stars? Do they also belong to the tribes?
GRANDFATHER
Yes. The stars that are above the land of each
tribe...those belong to that tribe.
CHILD
And what is under the land, that belongs to us.
Mans bare feet on the parched sand dunes.
GRANDFATHER
All the treasures that may be found.
CHILD
How many tribes are there grandpa?
GRANDFATHER
[pointing] See in the direction of the sun? That way
are the Marris. On this side, behind those hills are
the Bugtis. On the left, the Raisanis, and behind
us....where we came from are the Jamalis and the
Khetrans.
CHILD
The Bugtis? Aren't they the ones who killed chahcha?
GRANDFATHER
Yes, that was his fate. Then we killed three of their
men the following month. That was their fate.
13

CHILD
How many men do the Bugtis have in all?
GRANDFATHER
[laughing] oh very many
CHILD
Father said we will kill them all.
GRANDFATHER
We killed more than they killed ours. Then the two
sides agreed on peace. So now the Sardar says there
is to be no more killing.
CHILD
But grandpa, mother says now they are going to build
Pakistan. Then things will be better. All the people
are saying that we will become Pakistan.
GRANDFATHER
[laughing] Nothing will be built here. Nothing will
change, this is the land of our forefathers. Pakistan
or no Pakistan, this land is ours. Pakistan is only
the name of a government. Many governments have come
and gone...but our land has remained.
CHILD
Grandpa,what is government?
GRANDFATHER
The government?...are ...they are the people in
uniform. Who move around in those metal buggies that
have no horses.
We start zooming out to the aerial view.
CHILD
[laughing] and they wear those funny hats. But
grandpa, why do we need those people? ...Government.
Pakistan.
Vast expanse of parched red rock and sand terrain.
GRANDFATHER O.S
They come when the tribes fight each other. When our
Sardars cannot resolve the differences with each
other.... the government comes to our land....
Aerial view morphs to map of Baluchistan.
14

Bhutto is looking at the wall map of Baluchistan, he seems a
bit restless now.
RAFI
Yes tough nuts. Sardar Marri is downright abrasive. I
cannot think of any man who speaks to you in that
tone....and the way you restrain yourself..its...its
remarkable.
BHUTTO
I have no choice. Our party hasn't made any inroads
into the province. We don't have a constituency
there, you know... nothing to hold onto... So we have
to negotiate with the top. I have no leverage.
RAFI
So how should we deal with them?
We see Bhutto's back standing as he looks out from the
window.
We see his face from outside the window. The camera coming
gradually closer. His gaze is fixed looking up and to the
left. The calm has returned to his face as if he's found the
answer to something he was contemplating.
BHUTTO
[speaks his words slowly while in deep thought]
When you have no leverage, divide them. Look for the
slightest rift, [pause] then drive a wedge into it.
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - UN BUILDING – DAY
Stock shot. Under the UN building in New York looking up.
Beside the main entrance to the building, flags of UN member countries
flutter in the wind.
Inside the building. An empty hall of the UN General Assembly, unoccupied
seats, a lone Pakistani nameplate.
NARRATOR
If ever a nation has been friendless, it is
Pakistan after the 1971 Civil war. Its status
reduced to a pariah.
Sprawling POW camps
NARRATOR
15

90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war are held in
India, which has also occupied thousands of square
miles of Pakistani territory.
INT. OFFICE DESK – DAY
Finance minister Mubashir is at his desk. On his table a heap of files
marked urgent, on his right, 3 telephone sets. Opposite him sits Secretary
Finance AGN Kazi and M.M. Ahmad, Advisor to the GOP on finance.
AGN KAZI
Under normal circumstances, the agriculture
conference on wheat is a good idea.. but
nowadays... we have no resources ...well...how will
we implement the recommendations?
MUBASHIR
How much money do we have remaining from the
budget?
AGN KAZI
Nothing. There is nothing left. The government is
in red. In the last six months, the previous
government exhausted the budget...the war was on,
there were unusual demands on our resources.
Everything depleted fast...gone within weeks...Now
very little revenue is coming in. Whatever is
coming in we are using to meet defense needs…
MUBASHIR
Rightly so. The Indian army is still within our
borders. But how does one run a government without
money? Nothing is coming in taxes?
AGN KAZI
Sir the post war economy is performing at a slow
pace. Business losses have accumulated. Businesses
can hardly survive. Those that do are unable to pay
taxes.
MUBASHIR
Ahmad, how about foreign inflows?
M.M AHMAD
[shaking his head]Sir we are behind on our payments
for the last 7 months. The donors are now cautious.
Besides the government borrowed heavily during the
war effort.
MUBASHIR
16

Yes I believe nine hundred million dollars.
AGN KAZI
Yes Sir and military equipment worth billions of
Rupees was destroyed in the war.
MUBASHIR
But immediately we must stabilise wheat prices.
Otherwise as the President has warned, there'll be
mayhem. We have only 3 months of stock right?
AGN KAZI
That is correct sir. But on account of poor
harvest, we will continue to face shortages.
MUBASHIR
Hmmm. That means we must import.
M.M AHMAD
Sir we'll need to pay for that in cash. No country
will accept our cheque in these circumstances.
MUBASHIR
Aid?
M.M AHMAD
[shakes his head ]The flow of aid has ceased. Even
committed aid is not being disbursed.
MUBASHIR
And for what reason?
AGN KAZI
Well mainly on account of our default. But also
because...of the exchange rate. Donors want us to
devalue.
MUBASHIR
A decision previous governments have been
consistently avoiding. Devalue. Easy to say. Now we
have to also swallow that bitter pill. We are
dealing with major vested interest there. This
multiple rate regime favours the big capitalist...
buy cheap and sell dear. Devaluation will undermine
the vested interest... besides it will also hit the
common man. I can only visit that subject once our
government is sufficiently stable to deal with the
political upheaval that will follow.
Mubashir picks up the phone.
17

MUBASHIR
[speaking into the phone]Yes put me through to the
president.
INT. PRESIDENTS OFFICE – DAY
Bhutto is on his desk while Rafi and Rahim are sitting across.
RAFI
So where do we begin?
BHUTTO
Thank God for the manifesto... our party programme
was prepared for this.
Looks at Rahim as he speaks the words. Rahim takes off his glasses to look
up as Bhutto addresses him. He has a questioning look on his face as if
saying "Does it?"
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - FACTORIES, HOUSES, OFFICES
Saigol, Dawood, Habib, Adamjee, Gandhara, Nishat. Nameplates outside
sprawling houses, plush offices, factory entrances and tall buildings.
Still shot of Bhutto as he pens his memoirs.
BHUTTO V.O.
Internally there is widespread income disparity.
Some years ago, an American economist told me that
80% of the industrial and banking assets of
Pakistan were controlled by members of 22 families.
Page from text of PPP election manifesto –
INT. MEETING ROOM – DAY
We open on a traditional meeting room. Senior Minister J.A Rahim is seated
at the head of the table. On his left sit Finance Minister Mubashir, and
law minister Kasuri. Opposite them are Secretary Finance AGN Qazi and
Secretary Industries Qamar ul Islam.
SUPERIMPOSE: Cabinet committee on Nationalisation,December 23, 1971.
Meeting is already in progress.
RAHIM
these 22 families own the wealth of this country.
they conceal their incomes...pay no taxes. [pause]
18

A white haired Rahim pauses to pull out his glasses from a case. Then
Continues
RAHIM
they siphon away their profits abroad
Rahim puts on his glasses and reads from a document.
RAHIM
Our programme calls for nationalization of basic
industry. As you know these fall under 3
categories. Firstly: Industries on which depend
other industries. Secondly: Entreprises that
constitute the infrastructure of the national
economy. Thirdly: Institutions dealing with the
medium of exchange money that is banking and
finance
Nearing the end of his sentence, Rahim looks up and around the room from
above his glasses to make sure everyone has followed him.
A copy of the PPP manifesto is clearly visible on the table in front of
each of the 2 secretaries.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Sir, you will receive our full cooperation in the
matter.
RAHIM
Good. The President wishes to move fast on this.
Still we must keep this operation secret and move
with lightning speed.
Very politely & mild manneredly Qamar ul Islam asks for some
Clarifications
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Sir we have read and understood the text of the
programme. We understand your objectives. Now there
are certain clarifications so we seek your
guidance.
He pauses, glances at the 3 ministers. Rahim nods and indicates him to
continue.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
We need to be sure on the criteria: How do we
select an enterprise to nationalize. On the basis
of capital cost, turnover, labour employed? Or
what? We need to be clear on this.
19

Rahim nods as he makes a mental note of the point.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Secondly, how do we propose to compensate the
owners, if at all? And where would this money come
from?
There is clear unease and discomfort at the suggestions. The ministers
look bewildered and there is a moment of silence.
AGN Kazi has busied himself and is seen to be jotting notes, deliberately
to avoid eye contact with others in the room at this uncomfortable moment.
At this point he looks up to address the meeting
AGN KAZI
We have read the text of the PPP nationalization
programme. As best as we can see, expropriation is
not on the agenda.
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
That is correct...err.. we do not wish to seize
anything.
RAHIM
But for instance Gandhara automobile assembly
plant; that must be nationalized.
MUBASHIR
Yes, yes and also Ittefaq steel and Battala
Engineering must be on the list. Both of these are
unfair to labour.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Sir that was my point. For all this, we need to lay
down certain criteria
RAHIM
Point taken. Qamar can you work on developing the
criteria for nationalisation. [turns to Mubashir]
Mubashir you and I need to discuss with the
President[then addressing all participants] ...and
we will meet again in a week.
INT. INSIDE THE CAR – DAY
President Bhutto is at the wheel of the blue Mercedes as it drives through
a leafy boulevard in Chaklala, Rawalpindi.
At a sign that reads, "Pakistan Air Force Base - Chaklala he turns right.
20

A sentry raises a barrier and salutes.
SUPERIMPOSE: December 27, 1971.
The car comes to a stop outside what looks like an army prison; a high
walled compound, surrounded by barbed wire.
A sentry accompanied by a senior officer opens a main door for Bhutto. The
door is made of steel. Both salute as he enters.
OFFICER
Everything is ready sir.
As Bhutto nods go ahead, the the officer presses the "record" button on
tape recording equipment.
INT. MUJIBS PRISON CELL
Bhutto enters a dingy cell.
(This is a departure from historical accuracy. Mujib was brought in from Mianwali
prison to Chaklala that morning and kept in a well guarded army bangalow, not a cell
as shown.)
Bhuttos POV. Inside the dimly lit cell sits a dejected Mujib ur Rahman,
crumpled white Kurta Pajama, thick rimmed glasses. Mujib looks up as
Bhutto enters. He manages a faint smile at the sight of his old friend.
MUJIB
When they brought me here from Mianwali prison I
was thinking that another disaster was coming.
BHUTTO
Things have changed. Last week I took over power
from Yahya. I am now in charge.
MUJIB
I am happy. Believe me I am very happy. Tell me
what is the condition of Bengal. I am very
perturbed.
BHUTTO
The Indian army ran us over. Moved in with Soviet
guns and trucks, under cover of Soviet warships and
planes.
MUJIB
That means they have killed us. Bhutto they have
killed us...You'd better get me to Dacca...you have
to promise one thing to me that I will be having
21

your help. If the Indians put me in jail...you will
fight for me.
BHUTTO
We will fight together Mujib.
Mujibs eyes nervously dart around the room. He looks anxious and uneasy
with this conversation.
A spool tape turns in the recording equipment in the adjacent room.
The officer sits calmly listening to the dialog at low volume through the
equipment. Mujib's voice now comes through the speakers.
MUJIB VO
No, no. I must go back and settle matters. When the
Indian occupation army is in my country, I will ask
for your help from there. I will ask in front of
the whole world. Help me get the Indians out.
Believe me I never wanted the Indians. You don't
want to believe me?
Back in the cell.
BHUTTO
I just want to see the unity of my country.
[pauses] On whatever terms you want.
MUJIB
No. No terms. Right now I must return. What is the
position of my country?
BHUTTO
Mujib Bhai. Is there any possibility that we can
live together? What is it that you want?
MUJIB
I will hold a public meeting in Dacca. I will meet
my people, discuss with them, then inform you. I
will speak drop by drop...they will believe me.
Inshalla we'll do something. I have not to say
about this outright.You understand my position. We
are players of the same game. Politics.
Bhutto ends his earlier friendly demeanor. As he prepares to leave, his
attitude transforms to that of a captor speaking to his captive.
BHUTTO
You will understand why I must continue to keep you
here...or the same place in Mianwali...
22

The officer opens the door for Bhutto.
BHUTTO
you and I will try harder to reach an understanding
whenever we meet again.
Bhutto steps out of the cell. The door is slammed shut.
INT. MEETING ROOM –DAY
Meeting on cabinet committee on nationalization reconvenes. Same
participants. Instead of the manifestoes, annual company reports are visible on the
table in front of each participant.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
May I propose something
RAHIM
Yes yes go ahead.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
First we should select the enterprises based on
valuation. Only enterprises above a certain capital
value will be nationalized. The others will remain
untouched
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Secondly the government instead of acquiring the
ownership should assume the management.
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
What good will that do?
QAMAR UL ISLAM
2 things. One, by taking management control we will
be able to determine the true value of the assets
and incomes. There will be a quantum jump in tax
collections realized from these enterprises.
Mubashir scribbling on a piece of paper.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Secondly, no payment would then be involved, as the
owners would continue to be the owners. We are only
taking away control over the assets.
MUBASHIR
And by virtue of this control, we shall give the
workers better protection. Also 4% of the profit of
23

each enterprise will be distributed amongst its
workers. This has been done in other countries.
QAMAR UL ISLAM
Separately or as part of this we must consider
abolition of the managing agency system. Shell
companies that are allowed to control the assets of
much bigger companies.
Rahim is seen receiving a note from Mubashir. Rahim glances down at the
note, nods to Mubashir then turns to Qamar.
RAHIM
Very well then. We agree to the proposals. However
the President and I have agreed that foreign
investment must not be included in the
nationalization list.
RAHIM
Qamar, your ministry will prepare the list of units
to be nationalized.These will be selected on the
basis of valuation as you propose.
RAHIM
[Turning to Kasuri] Mahmud, your ministry will
prepare the necessary legislation on the basis that
has been agreed around this table.
RAHIM
Gentlemen, the president wants the operation to be
executed 1st January 1972. Now lets get to work!
INT. STOCK SHOTS - SPEECH JAN 2, 1971
Actual voice and footage of Bhuttos speech January 2nd, 1972..."I had made
a pledge to the people of Pakistan...the wealth of the nation must be for
the benefit of all..."
News clippings
Sudden and unexpected nationalisation leads to flight of capital.
Yet another country turned the socialist route
today. Pakistan under the left wing Peoples Party
that swept the elections today announced the
takeover of the management of 106 enterprises. The
action was decried by the country's small but
powerful business community and by the financial
markets.
24

Shot of Wall Street Journal front page story - Pakistan's credit rating
plummets in London and New York.
Dawn Newspaper Story - Economic crisis further deepens.
BHUTTO
On the 27 th you said that we can have two or three
things together. Defense, foreign affairs and
currency.
MUJIB
Before that you have to allow me to go.
BHUTTO
But I don't mind confederation, however loose it
is.
MUJIB
No no...I have already told you that we can wait...
some sort of arrangements we can make. I told you
it will be confederation. This is absolutely
between you and me. I know that you have not told
anybody.
BHUTTO
No why should I tell. I'll keep it absolutely
confidential.
MUJIB
You leave it to me. Absolutely leave it to me.
Trust me.
MUJIB
I will tell these things to the millions of people
of Bangla Desh when I first go there... that Yahya
before handing over charge to Bhutto wanted to kill
me. I will demand from there Yahya's hanging. You
understand, trial, trial ... I'll say first you
give trial to this man, then I'll talk to you. You
understand. I'll have to take in confidence my
people. The wounds are serious.
Bhutto is now pacing up and down the small space of the cell.
BHUTTO
Listen, Presidentship, Prime Ministership, whatever
you take, I am prepared to retire back to Larkana.
I swear by the holy Quran, I am prepared to
25

retire.
MUJIB
I told you there is no objection. My idea was that
we will live together and we will rule this
country. This haramzada (bastard)Yahya started the fuss,
telling me this was what you said and that is what
you said. And communicating the same to you. Then
the disaster started in Bengal.
BHUTTO
But now we have to set the things right.
MUJIB
We have to try. But you know the route. I have to
go back first. I have to cope... you know the army
of occupation is there ... our army... massacred
... as in Indonesia.
BHUTTO
Yes it is very difficult [Pauses]. I am prepared to
fly to Dacca.
MUJIB
No, no, I'll meet with my people, I want time...
I'll tell you from there... You have become a hero.
You will continue for the whole life.
BHUTTO
Nay I don't want. You should be our President.
Mujib, I want you to return to your people. Then we
must make a new start. New terms. As a token of my
friendship and support, I would like you to carry
back fifty thousand dollars in cash... take it with
you when you return to Bangladesh.
MUJIB
No. No I cannot accept any money.
BHUTTO
Mujib, Mujib, be pragmatic. Conditions out in Dacca
will be difficult. This will help you tide over the
initial period. You have to play an important role.
This money will be very useful.
MUJIB VO OS
If you offer to help me then use the money to
charter a plane to return me to Bangladesh.
We cut and close up to Bhutto as he gazes at Mujib speaking.
26

MUJIB VO OS
To my people. To the sweet smell of of my soil..
EXT. RAWALPINDI AIRPORT RUNWAY
A plane takes off. The rest of Mujibs words are spoken in Bengali but are
drowned in the din of the aircraft engines.
INT. MAP OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Minarets, the voice of the muezzin calling to prayer. Man praying, the
world of Islam.
Actual footage. Bhutto meeting the Shah of Iran, Hafez al Asaad, Anwar
Saadat and Moammar Gaddafi.
BHUTTO'S V.O
Nothing in this world is achieved standing alone.
Our first priority is to make friends. With
problems at home mounting, I am looking to the
outside world as a means to resolving our problems.
These are traditional friends, who can lend
considerable economic and diplomatic support.
Still shot of Bhutto writing these notes in his memoir.
Excepts from actual speeches. Press conferences with Islamic leaders.
Shows of solidarity, Unity. We are not alone.
INT. PRESIDENTS OFFICE
Bhutto, Rahim, Mubashir, Rafi.
BHUTTO
This bastard Mujib. I let him off the hook.. we had
an understanding. Now look he... he
RAFI
...rejected 'irrevocably' links with Pakistan, and
declared that such ties have been 'snapped for all
time to come
BHUTTO
Anyways, I raised the issue of Bangladesh. The
Shah, Asaad, Gaddafi, Sadat, all assured they would
withhold recognition as long as we want. China has
agreed to veto their entry in the UN.But now you
tell me we have a quagmire. Mubashir, why don't you
27

update Rafi and Rahim what you were telling me.
MUBASHIR
Yes, its this question of the debt. Bangladesh
should pick up its stock of the debt burden but we
can only press for that after we recognise
Bangladesh.
BHUTTO
So if we don't recognise Bangladesh, there's no
question of sharing the debt burden. And that means
no question of resumption of foreign aid. Both the
word bank and Paris club want us to resolve the
question of debt first.
RAHIM
Do they know about the shortages? Wheat, sugar,
energy?
MUBASHIR
Yes they do. They also want currency devaluation -
its a precondition.
RAHIM
That will push inflation.
BHUTTO
Mubashir, I'll let your ministry come up with the
recommendation. But deal with the shortages -
anything you have to do. Nationalise sugar and
flour if necessary.
Shot of Newspaper story -Mujib Threatens War Trials
BHUTTO
The bastard wants 195 of our POW's tried for war
crimes. The Indians will use that as a bargaining
chip. We will recognize Bangladesh but as a quid
pro quo, lets get the Indians to vacate our
territory and release our POW's.
RAFI
How long can they hold the prisoners? They lose
international goodwill each day.
BHUTTO
Not just that Rafi, I have a report here .. just
this morning .
Bhutto picks up a folder from his desk.
28

Close up shot shows heading: TOP SECRET - Inter Services Intelligence.
He holds up the folder.
BHUTTO
Our POW's live in pucca housing - The Indian
soldiers that guard them live in tents.
Laughter
BHUTTO
Apparently the Indian army's greatest worry is a
guerrilla war breaking out in the occupied areas.
We must fuel that fear.
Winks at Rafi.
RAFI
So then the Indian Army has to decide whether to
retreat or fight the insurrection.
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - CHINA VISIT
On a map, we move across the Karakorams, cross the Gobi desert. As we
descend into China the Great wall becomes visible.
The Tiannamen square, forbidden city, the great hall of the people.
Shots of China's industrial progress.
INT. STOCK SHOTS - MEETING THE CHINESE LEADERS
Real footage. Drinking toasts to Mao Zedong and Chou En Lai... The Chinese
offer sage advice to Bhutto.
CHOU EN LAI
Why are you in such a hurry with your reforms?
BHUTTO
Perhaps because the army will not give me a chance
to consolidate my position. I have to hurry to do
something for my people.
CHOU EN LAI
So build a people’s army. Like we did in China.
Shots of China's military progress. Peoples Liberation army marches by as
the chinese leadership takes salute.
29

Still shot, Bhutto shakes hands with Chairman Mao.
MAO V.O
Become a Champion of Afro Asian Solidarity.
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY – DAY
We open on a birds eye view of a large public rally in
progress. The speaker is not visible but the voice is that of
Dr Nazir Ahmed, Jamaat Islami MNA.
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
He calls himself a democrat, look look around you,
does this look like a democracy? Opposition voices
are being stifled. The press is being stifled.
Everywhere there is repression by PPP Goondas.
Superimose: Rajanpur, Southern Punjab, 27th May, 1972
We close into the crowd till we can peoples faces, listening
intently to this firebrand speaker.
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
He calls himself the saviour of Pakistan. I ask you,
who was responsible for breaking up Pakistan? Who
refused to accept the election results?
Bhutto puts on his glasses picks up a newspaper.
Turns his attention to a Newspaper story "Bhutto Assailed:
Nazir Ahmad terms him traitor. "
Bhutto picks up the phone.
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
Who said I will break the legs of anyone who travels
to Dacca… This country is in the hands of thugs.
INT. OFFICE DESK
Mustafa Khar at his desk at the Punjab Governors office
answers the phone.
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY
30

We finally see the face of the speaker. An emotionally charged
man with a trimmed black beard is ranting into the microphone.
DR NAZIR AHMAD
He is a debauch, a bigger drunkard than Yahya. Don't
we all know what happens once the sun goes down and
the lights come on in Governor house? We have all
heard about his colourful evenings. His extravagant
lifestyle. What can you expect of such a man?
INT. OFFICE DESK
Mustafa Khar leans back on his chair at his desk and briefs a
police officer. The officer wearing a peak cap stands
attention with the cane under his arm. He nods, salutes Khar
and begins to leave taking steps backward.
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY
Dr Nazir Ahmad picks up a file and holds it high for the crowd
to see.
DR NAZIR AHMAD
I have here proof, documents, pictures. People tell
me things. They send me evidence of what they've
seen. Those of you who came to my clinic have seen
these. I offer you to come and have a look for your
self any day.
INT. PRISON CELL
A policeman unlocks a jail door. 2 rough looking, burly men
are released from lock up.
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is a hypocrite, a traitor, and an enemy of
Pakistan. He does not tolerate the opposition. He hires
goondas to beat up opposition leaders. Look at what they did
to Sardar Shaukat Hayat. Beaten up right outside the National
assembly.
INT. OFFICE DESK
The police officer is seen briefing the 2 rough looking, burly
men clad in shalwar kameez.
31

DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
Now the biggest goonda in the province, Ghulam
Mustafa Khar is threatening our provincial Amir, Syed
Asad Gilani. Telling him to make me shut up.
EXT. OUTSIDE DR NAZIRS CLINIC – NIGHT
8:30 pm. A scooter pulls up on the narrow lane outside Dr
Nazir's clinic.
The 2 rough looking, burly men park the scooter and disembark.
As they enter a doorway the nameplate "Dr Nazir Ahmad,
Homeopath. MNA, Amir JI, District Rajanpur" is clearly
visible.
At a tea stall down the street, a group of men are listening
to a radio. The radio is blaring the diatribe from Dr Nazir's
earlier speech.
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O ON RADIO
Tell Bhutto the Jamat Islami are not cowards. Dr
Nazir Ahmad is not a coward.. We are the conscience
of society. If not today then tomorrow he will be
answerable to us, to the people of this country for
his actions.
The men enter the open door of Dr Nazir's clinic. He is
sitting at his desk, reviewing a document.
Dr Nazir Ahmad's V.O.on radio. Continues
You cannot hide from your conscience. You cannot
silence the voice of conscience.
Dr Nazeer Ahmad looks up as the men enter.
A pistol is pulled out. Two shots are heard. Then all goes
silent.
FADE OUT
INT. STOCK SHOTS - HISTORY, BOOKS, PAINTINGS
Books, paintings, pictures. Hitler, Napoleon, Mussolini. We
hear Beethovens 9th symphony as it rises from the background.
32

Bhutto sits on a sofa reads Hitlers Mein Kampf.
Shots of paintings. French warfare in the 18th century.
Bhutto picks out a book on Napoleon from the shelf.
Still shot of Bhutto at his desk, pens his memoirs.
BHUTTO V.O.
These men dealt with rebellious generals. Keeping
them at bay but still accomplishing a lot together
with them. The military is Pakistan's protective
wolfhound always on duty, powerful enough to keep any
enemy at bay ...or to destroy its master.
Black and white pictures of Mussolini's party in action
Long shot of the Italian fascist parliament, the Brandenberg
gate in Berlin and the Versailles palace in France. Bhutto
studies history.
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - INSPECTING TROOPS, PARADE
Inspecting troops at a garrison.
Bhutto takes the salute on the Pakistan Day joint services
parade 23 rd March, 1972.
Pulls out a pad with the letterhead, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
President of Pakistan.
The tip of a black Mont Blanc fountain
pen writes the date, 23 rd June, 1972.
Underneath it pens the words, My Dear General Tikka Khan,
View of a dimly lit study. Wooden floor, persian rugs, solid
wood furniture, an armchair, 18th century paintings.
BHUTTO V.O.
We have always wanted peace. But peace with honour and freedom....The
threat from India keeps mounting.... So neither a few years of arranged peace,
nor the present situation can possibly permit us to ignore the reality that there
must inevitably, sooner or later, come another war.
Bhutto being briefed by uniformed military officers in a
meeting room.
33

BHUTTO V.O.
There will no longer be an absence of clear thinking
from our side.
Bhutto speaking to military officers as they listen as he
seems to be giving directions.
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - LANDSCAPES, MONUMENTS
Steppes of Central Asia, The Oxus river, Barren mountains, the
Khyber Pass.
BHUTTO V.O.
Let us not forget the whole background and history of
India compared to our own.
Balahisar Fort in Peshawar, Indus river, Attock fort.
The tribal frontier. Guns, trucks, smiling hospitality at a
wayside tea stall.
BHUTTO V.O.
In the remotest of our villages, the humblest of our
people possess a self confidence, a ready willingness
to march forward into India - a spirit the equivalent
of which cannot be found on the other side.
Wide shot of the study, Bhutto at the desk, as he continues to
pen the note. Moving closer and over his shoulder we see more
writing is visible on the note.
INT. BHUTTO READS A BOOK – NIGHT
Bhutto reads the Babarnama.
INT. STOCK SHOTS - PAINTINGS, WEAPONRY, MUSEUM
Paintings, the Mughal army on the march, mughal weaponry,
swords, armour, cannons, rifles in a museum.
BHUTTO V.O.
Great and terrible scourges have come to India from
this side.... every invasion from this side has
defeated India... Thus the terror, fear, habit of
defeat cannot be wiped out of their national memory
overnight.
34

The red fort in Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Qutub
Minar.
BHUTTO V.O.
And we ourselves have ruled them for eight
centuries.
Close up of Bhutto's pen as he writes, yours sincerely and
signs.
He finishes writing the note. He puts it in an envelop and
writes, Top Secret,General Tikka Khan,GHQ on the envelope.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. AUDITORIUM – DAY
Outside the auditorium, a sentry stands attention. A captain
approaches.
CAPTAIN
General saab has not finished?
SENTRY
No sir, meeting still on. They are now discussing
the Presidents memo.
Loud chatter sprinkled with jolly laughter can be heard from
inside.
The Captain looks at the door. Confused. Shrugs his shoulders
and walks away.
Inside the auditorium a group of noisy army Generals stand
casually around a podium. One of them is holding a memo as he
reads it out to his fellow Generals.
GENERAL 1
He wants a people's war against India...listen to
this, a Northern Panipat offensive against Delhi and
a Southern Somnath offensive cutting Katiawar from
Bombay. The village based peoples army would be a
massive wave of raiders.
Laughter.
GENERAL 2
And this peoples army will cross the border on
what...camel back or bullock carts?
35

Laughter.
GENERAL 3
No no, it'll be on tractors and buses. This is
Tikka's army not Mahmud of Ghaznavi.
More laughter.
GENERAL 2
So we teach them to walk over land mines and sneak
past tank columns.. a new form of slaughter. Why
doesn't he leave the fighting to us?
GENERAL 1
No no listen. [ laughing]....we must organise
this..
36

STATISTICS FOR "PICKING UP THE PIECES"
Speaking Roles: 40 Scenes: 44 Words: 8.1k
Dialogue Words 4572 57%
Action Words 2816 35%
Other Words 667 8%
DIALOGUE
Avg. speech length: 3.1 sentences / 22.2 words
Avg. sentence length: 7.2 words
30% of speeches are followed consecutively by another speech.
ACTION
Avg. paragraph length: 0.8 sentences / 5.7 words
Avg. sentence length: 7.5 words
62% of action paragraphs are followed consecutively by another action paragraph.
SCENES
Average length: 168 words Longest: 854 words
Words Scenes % Words Scenes %
-------------------- --------------------
0- 49 14 31.8% 450-499 1 2.3%
50- 99 8 18.2% 500-549 1 2.3%
100-149 9 20.5% 550-599 0 0.0%
150-199 3 6.8% 600-649 0 0.0%
200-249 0 0.0% 650-699 1 2.3%
250-299 1 2.3% 700-749 0 0.0%
300-349 0 0.0% 750-799 0 0.0%
350-399 2 4.5% 800-849 0 0.0%
400-449 3 6.8% 850=> 1 2.3%
Interiors: 61% Exteriors: 34%
Night/Day Transitions: 4 (Average of one per 11 scenes.)
7% of scenes end with a transition out.
Average speakers per scene: 1.8 Most: 7
Scenes with...
0 speakers 11 25.0% |********
1 speaker 16 36.4% |************
2 speakers 6 13.6% |****
3 speakers 2 4.5% |*
4 speakers 5 11.4% |***
5 speakers 2 4.5% |*
6 speakers 1 2.3% |
>6 speakers 1 2.3% |
SPEAKING ROLES
Speaking roles introduced at the rate of one per 1.1 scenes.
Average speaking scenes per character: 1.8
Speakers appearing in...
1 scene 27 67.5% |**********************
2 scenes 5 12.5% |****
3 scenes 3 7.5% |**
4 scenes 3 7.5% |**
5 scenes 1 2.5% |
6 scenes 0 0.0% |
7 scenes 0 0.0% |
8 scenes 0 0.0% |
9 scenes 1 2.5% |
37

Location Report for Picking up the Pieces
4 reps
5.6 minutes (12.2%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO, RAFI, MAHMUD ALI KASURI, RAHIM, MUBASHIR, DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O, ADC
Modifiers:
DAY (2 reps)
INT. OFFICE DESK
4 reps
3.3 minutes (7.3%)
Dialogue:
MUBASHIR, AGN KAZI, M.M AHMAD, DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O,
Modifiers:
DAY (1 rep)
INT. STOCK SHOTS
4 reps
2.3 minutes (5.0%)
Dialogue:
CHOU EN LAI, BHUTTO V.O., MAO V.O, BHUTTO, RADIO NEWSREADER V.O
Modifiers:
NEWSPAPERS (1 rep)
SPEECH JAN 2 - 1971 (1 rep)
MEETING THE CHINESE LEADERS (1 rep)
HISTORY - BOOKS - PAINTINGS (1 rep)
EXT. STOCK SHOTS
4 reps
2.7 minutes (5.9%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO V.O., NARRATOR,
Modifiers:
UN BUILDING - DAY (1 rep)
FACTORIES - HOUSES - OFFICES (1 rep)
INSPECTING TROOPS - PARADE (1 rep)
LANDSCAPES - MONUMENTS (1 rep)
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY
3 reps
1.3 minutes (2.9%)
Dialogue:
DR NAZIR AHMAD, DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
Modifiers:
DAY (1 rep)
INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY
2 reps
5.2 minutes (11.5%)
Dialogue:
QAMAR UL ISLAM, RAHIM, MUBASHIR, MAHMUD ALI KASURI, , AGN KAZI
2 reps
5.7 minutes (12.4%)
Dialogue:
38

BHUTTO, MUJIB, MUJIB VO OS, , MUJIB VO
2 reps
0.8 minutes (1.7%)
Dialogue:
NARRATOR,
Modifiers:
DAY (1 rep)
2 reps
1.6 minutes (3.5%)
Dialogue:
GENERAL 2, GENERAL 1, GENERAL 3, SENTRY, CAPTAIN
Single Occurrences
EXT. CROWDS RIOT OUTSIDE HOUSE - DAY
0.7 minutes (1.4%)
Dialogue:
NARRATOR, ANGRY MAN
0.4 minutes (0.9%)
No Dialogue
EXT. - CROWD DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE GOVERNOR HOUSE - LAHORE - DAY
0.3 minutes (0.6%)
Dialogue:
ANGRY MAN 1, ANGRY MAN 2
INT. INSIDE THE CAR - DAY
0.2 minutes (0.4%)
No Dialogue
4.9 minutes (10.8%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO, , YAHYA, VO, YAHYA'S VOICE O.S., RADIO NEWSREADER V.O, HAMID
INT - PEOPLE WATCH BHUTTOS SPEECH ON TV - DAY
0.2 minutes (0.5%)
Dialogue:
0.2 minutes (0.5%)
No Dialogue
EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - ESTABLISHING - NIGHT
0.2 minutes (0.5%)
No Dialogue
INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT
2.4 minutes (5.2%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO, KHAR
39

EXT. VAST OPEN TERRAIN - DAY
4.2 minutes (9.1%)
Dialogue:
CHILD, GRANDFATHER, BHUTTO, RAFI, GRANDFATHER O.S
0.6 minutes (1.2%)
Dialogue:
OFFICER
0.6 minutes (1.3%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO'S V.O
0.2 minutes (0.5%)
No Dialogue
INT. PRISON CELL
0.3 minutes (0.6%)
Dialogue:
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
EXT. OUTSIDE DR NAZIRS CLINIC - NIGHT
1.0 minutes (2.1%)
Dialogue:
INT. BHUTTO READS A BOOK - NIGHT
0.1 minutes (0.2%)
No Dialogue
INT. STOCK SHOTS - PAINTINGS - WEAPONRY - MUSEUM
0.7 minutes (1.4%)
Dialogue:
BHUTTO V.O.
40

Outline for Picking up the Pieces
INT. STOCK SHOTS - NEWSPAPERS
EXT. CROWDS RIOT OUTSIDE HOUSE - DAY
EXT. - CROWD DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE GOVERNOR HOUSE, LAHORE - DAY
EXT. RAWALPINDI AIRPORT RUNWAY - DAY
In the dialog we an see Yahya putting up a pretense of confidence. However, Bhutto comes across as the
stronger man and as the dialog progresses, Yahya's confidence crumbles and Bhuttos rises.
INT - PEOPLE WATCH BHUTTOS SPEECH ON TV - DAY
EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ESTABLISHING, NIGHT
INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE, NIGHT
EXT. VAST OPEN TERRAIN - DAY
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - UN BUILDING - DAY
INT. OFFICE DESK - DAY
.
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - FACTORIES, HOUSES, OFFICES
INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY
Kazi is the cold and calculating bureaucrat while Qamar ul Islam is urbane, articulate and smiling. A copy of
the PPP manifesto is clearly visible on the table in front of each of the 2 secretaries.
This is a departure from historical accuracy. Mujib was brought in from Mianwali prison to Chaklala that
morning and kept in a well guarded army bangalow, not a cell as shown.
INT. MEETING ROOM -DAY
INT. STOCK SHOTS - SPEECH JAN 2, 1971
INT. STOCK SHOTS - MEETING THE CHINESE LEADERS
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY - DAY
INT. OFFICE DESK
41

EXT. PUBLIC RALLY
INT. OFFICE DESK
EXT. PUBLIC RALLY
INT. PRISON CELL
INT. OFFICE DESK
EXT. OUTSIDE DR NAZIRS CLINIC - NIGHT
INT. STOCK SHOTS - HISTORY, BOOKS, PAINTINGS
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - INSPECTING TROOPS, PARADE
EXT. STOCK SHOTS - LANDSCAPES, MONUMENTS
INT. BHUTTO READS A BOOK - NIGHT
INT. STOCK SHOTS - PAINTINGS, WEAPONRY, MUSEUM
42

Speaking Roles for Picking up the Pieces
BHUTTO
Scenes: 9 Lines: 50 Words: 1273
Primary Interactions
MUJIB
RAFI
MUBASHIR
AGN KAZI
M.M AHMAD
CHILD
GRANDFATHER
RAHIM
QAMAR UL ISLAM
MUBASHIR
BHUTTO
MUJIB
BHUTTO
GRANDFATHER
CHILD
QAMAR UL ISLAM
RAHIM
MUBASHIR
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
RAFI
BHUTTO
BHUTTO V.O.
YAHYA
43

BHUTTO
HAMID
AGN KAZI
MUBASHIR
MAHMUD ALI KASURI
BHUTTO
QAMAR UL ISLAM
DR NAZIR AHMAD-V.O
NARRATOR
YAHYA
ANGRY MAN 1
KHAR
BHUTTO
M.M AHMAD
MUBASHIR
VO
MUJIB VO OS
BHUTTO
CHOU EN LAI
BHUTTO
DR NAZIR AHMAD
44

GENERAL 1
GENERAL 2
GENERAL 2
GENERAL 1
GENERAL 3
ANGRY NOISES
ANGRY MAN
ANGRY MAN 2
ANGRY MAN 1
ANGRY MAN 1
NARRATOR
ANGRY MAN 2
HAMID
YAHYA
YAHYA'S VOICE O.S.
ADC
GRANDFATHER O.S
OFFICER
45

MUJIB VO
BHUTTO
BHUTTO'S V.O
MAO V.O
CAPTAIN
SENTRY
SENTRY
CAPTAIN
GENERAL 3
GENERAL 2
46

Picking up the pieces script

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Picking up the pieces script