BB’s legacy of hope, sacrifice euologised

As the nation commemorated the 17th death anniversary of late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto (BB), my heart is filled with emotions and memories of two momentous days in 2007-her triumphant return to Pakistan in October and her last rally in Rawalpindi in December. These memories are bittersweet, etched with both hope and loss, as they marked the beginning and the end of her valiant journey.

In October 2007, I accompanied four women from Rawalpindi to Karachi to welcome Benazir Bhutto back to her homeland after a prolonged exile. Among my companions were two provincial assembly members. Karachi at that time was alive with excitement for her arrival.

The day we left for the airport, the streets were flooded with a sea of humanity-thousands of people marching on foot and in vehicles, united in their love and devotion to Benazir. The sight was overwhelming; the crowd’s sheer size and energy could not be captured by cameras or described in words. Security was tight, but with the help of MNA Fauzia Wahab, I managed to gain access to the airport, where I witnessed Benazir’s arrival.

As she stepped into view, her presence ignited the crowd. Draped in her signature attire, she waved to her supporters, her smile radiating hope and strength. It was a moment of triumph, a homecoming that symbolized the resilience of the people and the promise of a brighter future.

However, as her convoy moved through Karachi’s streets toward the Quaid-e-Azam mausoleum, tragedy struck near Karsaz. Two devastating explosions tore through the jubilant crowd, turning celebration into chaos. Hundreds of PPP workers embraced martyrdom, their sacrifices a stark reminder of the dangers Benazir faced. Amidst the carnage, Benazir stood firm, refusing to yield to fear, embodying the courage that defined her leadership.

Fast forward to December 27, 2007, the day of her historic rally at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. As the Secretary General of the PPP Women’s Wing, I was tasked with ensuring a large presence of women at the rally. Before the event, I met Benazir at Zamurrud Khan’s residence. She greeted me warmly, and when she saw a picture of me holding my infant son during my arrest years earlier, she kissed it. She reminisced about how she, too, had struggled for the cause with Bilawal in her lap, drawing a parallel between our journeys. Her words brought tears to my eyes-a mixture of pride and deep connection to this extraordinary leader.

On the day of the rally, I arrived at Liaquat Bagh with my three sisters and father, along with a crowd of supporters. The energy was palpable as PPP leaders adorned her with garlands. Qazi Mahmood Sultan presented her with a scripted speech, but it was Benazir’s own words that captivated the audience. She spoke passionately about restoring democracy, empowering women, and uplifting the marginalized. Her voice resonated with unwavering conviction as she declared, “Democracy is the best revenge.”

Her departure from Liaquat Bagh was poignant. As her vehicle moved through the cheering crowd, she stood through the sunroof, waving and smiling, her presence an embodiment of hope. But moments later, tragedy struck again. A gunman fired shots, followed by a suicide blast. Benazir Bhutto, the beacon of democracy, embraced martyrdom, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions.

Seventeen years later, the memories of those days remain vivid. Benazir Bhutto was more than a leader; she was a symbol of resilience, a voice for the voiceless, and a mother to the nation. Her sacrifices and the sacrifices of those who stood with her will forever be remembered as a testament to the enduring struggle for a democratic and prosperous Pakistan.

A few days after Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom, I visited Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the final resting place of our beloved leader. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, and the silence of the mausoleum spoke volumes of the void her absence had left in our lives. During my visit, I met Faryal Talpur, whose quiet resilience mirrored the strength of the Bhutto family. I offered my condolences and embraced Asifa and Bakhtawar Bhutto, their young faces reflecting both sorrow and determination to carry forward their mother’s legacy.

In the subsequent months, I often found myself drawn to Karachi, attending events commemorating Benazir’s sacrifices. I vividly recall meeting Nafeesa Shah at the airport during one such visit for Benazir’s first death anniversary. She welcomed me with warmth and camaraderie, and our bond grew stronger from that day.

Nafeesa’s home became a haven where we shared stories of Benazir’s indomitable spirit and the challenges we continued to face in her absence. Over the years, she has remained a steadfast friend, her unwavering commitment to the party and its ideals inspiring me deeply.

Reflecting on the journey of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) since Benazir’s martyrdom, I cannot overlook the contributions of Asif Ali Zardari. His leadership during the party’s most challenging times and the inception of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stand as testaments to his vision for empowering the most vulnerable in Pakistan. BISP not only honoured Benazir’s legacy but also provided a lifeline to millions of families, particularly women, across the country.

Under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s dynamic leadership, the PPP continues to prioritize inclusivity and representation. I remember the hope that surged within me and among countless other women party workers when Bilawal started awarding direct party tickets to women leaders. His trust in our abilities breathed new life into the party’s grassroots movement. I was honoured to receive a party ticket for NA-62 in the 2018 elections and later for NA-58 in 2024. These moments were not just personal milestones but also a beacon of hope for party workers who gathered every year at Liaquat Bagh, paying homage to Benazir Bhutto at the site of her martyrdom.

Standing at that hallowed ground on the 17th anniversary of Benazir’s martyrdom, I saw faces lit with both sorrow and determination, reflecting the enduring spirit of the PPP.