ISLAMABAD: Paying glowing tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday commemorated her unparalleled sacrifices, unwavering leadership and enduring legacy for Pakistan and reaffirmed his resolve to carry forward the legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
In his message on the eve 17th martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Bialwal said her life was an embodiment of courage, resilience, and hope for millions of Pakistanis, rooted deeply in the vision of her father, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Benazir was not just a political figure but a beacon of hope for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. “Her unwavering commitment to her father’s vision of an egalitarian and prosperous Pakistan remains an inspiration for all of us,” he said. He said that like Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto believed in the power of the people and the importance of empowering workers, farmers, and the underprivileged as cornerstones for national progress.
“Her philosophy of reconciliation, consultation, and understanding diverse perspectives laid the foundation for a forward-looking Pakistan,” he said.
Bilawal reaffirmed his resolve to carry forward his mother’s legacy. “We are determined to follow her philosophy of human liberty and democratic norms, continuing our fight against terrorism, extremism, and any forces that threaten Pakistan’s stability,” he stated. In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his commitment as the president to advance the vision of Shaheed Benazir of a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan. “Her ideas live on, urging us to rise above differences and build a Pakistan that is united, inclusive, and just. So, let us not merely mourn her loss but commit to follow her enduring legacy.” He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was a trailblazer who dreamt of a Pakistan where the rights of all citizens, irrespective of colour, class and creed, would be protected, and the power of the people would reign supreme.
Quoting Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the president said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto once said, “Democracy is the best revenge” and these words were not just a defiant response to tyranny and dictatorship but reflected her profound belief in the transformative power of the people. He said Shaheed Benazir envisioned a Pakistan where every child could access education, where women could progress as equals, and where justice was not a privilege but a right. “Throughout her life, she raised her voice and worked for the uplift of the downtrodden segments of society and women’s empowerment,” he said. “Her legacy is eternal, her courage unmatched, and her vision our guiding star. Pakistan Khappay!,” he concluded.
In her message on the occasion, PPP Vice-President and party’s parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman paid a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the trailblazing leader. She said: “Her loss was not just a devastating blow to the PPP; it was an unparalleled tragedy for the nation. The void left by her absence continues to be felt deeply across Pakistan.” She underscored the historical significance of December 27, describing it as one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history.
Sherry Rehman applauded Shaheed Benazir’s transformative contributions to the country’s socio-economic fabric. “Among her many achievements, the Lady Health Worker Programme stands as a testament to her commitment to public health,” Senator Rehman noted. “Lauded as a ‘gold standard’ by the World Bank, this initiative brought healthcare to the doorsteps of millions in rural and underserved areas.” She also underscored the pivotal role of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in uplifting the marginalised, which continues to uplift millions of impoverished families. From the Benazir Kafalat programme offering direct cash transfers, to Benazir Nashonuma, which promotes maternal and child health, and the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif initiative that invests in education, BISP has become a beacon of hope for millions.
In a related development, President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Sukkur on a three-day visit to attend the anniversary of his late wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Zardari will address the 17th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto at Gharhi Khuda Bux Bhutto on Friday (today). On his arrival, the president was received by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PPP senior leadership.
Earlier, talking to the media at the Sukkur Airport, CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said PPP and PPPP activists and leaders from all over the country will pay tribute to martyred Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary tomorrow. He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto will be the next prime minister by getting a clear majority in the next general elections. Shah demanded Sindh’s rightful share from the federal government saying the process of releasing provincial funds has been very slow.
Talking about PTI’s Imran Khan, Murad Ali Shah said the US has no authority to interfere in the affairs of Pakistan by demanding his release. Imran is involved in cases and courts alone will decide his fate. The PTI founder’s call for civil disobedience will be ignored and will have no effect anywhere in the country.
Speaking next, KP’s Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the PPP handed over a peaceful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013. However, after several years of PTI rule, there is severe unrest in the province. He said the Kurram situation has been mishandled by the provincial government. Kundi said the decision about the governor’s rule has to be taken by the federal government. Such a disposition is allowed under the Constitution.
Member PPP CEC Qamar Zaman Kaira said party cadres from all over the country will attend BB’s death anniversary today.
Meanwhile, all is set for the death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto here. A 60-foot-wide main stage has been decorated with party flags, and portraits of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, Governor KP and Governor Punjab, Chief Minister Sindh and several other leaders will address the death anniversary.
To boost security and surveillance, CCTV cameras have been installed around Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto and other places by Larkana Police, and 8,500 police officers and personnel will also perform their duties, including SSU commandos and traffic police personnel.
