Zardari, Bilawal pay tribute to Bhutto on 97th birth anniversary

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have paid glowing tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his 97th birth anniversary, honouring him as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to illuminate the path toward a stronger and more equitable Pakistan and reaffirmed the PPP’s unwavering commitment to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s ideals.

“As we honour his birth anniversary, we pledge to carry forward his mission of building a Pakistan defined by equality, dignity, and progress for all its citizens. His vision is our guiding light as we strive to fulfill his dream of a prosperous and inclusive nation,” he said in a statement on the eve of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his 97th birth anniversary, which will be observed today (Sunday).

Bilawal said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the architect of modern Pakistan, a statesman who dedicated his life to empowering the people and laying the foundations of a progressive and self-reliant nation. “His struggle for democracy, human rights, and social justice remains an eternal source of inspiration for all.”

The PPP chairman emphasized the transformative reforms introduced by Quaid-e-Awam. “He empowered the working class and the marginalized through revolutionary policies in labour rights, land reforms, education, and healthcare. He believed that the strength of a nation lies in its people and worked tirelessly to uplift them,” he said.

He praised Shaheed Bhutto’s contributions to Pakistan’s industrial and educational development, including establishing Pakistan Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Allama Iqbal Open University and scores of other big industrial, commercial and educational establishments across the country.

The PPP chairman pointed out that Pakistan’s first elected government granted every citizen the right to hold passports, enabling millions to work abroad, especially in Gulf countries. This initiative uplifted countless families and bolstered the economy, with 35,000 workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone finding opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Bilawal lauded Shaheed Bhutto’s role in ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. “His nuclear policy guaranteed strategic independence, while the dignified release of 90,000 prisoners of war after 1971 showcased his remarkable statesmanship.

“The Constitution of 1973, a hallmark of his vision, laid the democratic foundation of our country and remains a beacon of unity and justice,” he added. On foreign policy, Bilawal noted, “The 1974 Islamic Summit united Muslim countries and elevated Pakistan’s global influence. Shaheed Bhutto’s advocacy for the oppressed and commitment to justice earned him respect worldwide.”

President Asif Ali Zardari said today we observe the birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and pay tribute to the visionary leader who reshaped Pakistan’s destiny and became a voice of the voiceless.

“He was a statesman of unparalleled intellect, courage, and charisma, and his legacy will continue to remain a source of inspiration for the nation, “ he said while paying tributes to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on his 97th birth anniversary.

According to a statement of president secretariat, President Asif Ali Zardari said Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gave us the Constitution of 1973, the first unanimously adopted Constitution, which laid the foundation for a parliamentary, democratic, and federal form of government. “He was the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear program, which has proven to be pivotal in safeguarding our sovereignty and security,” he said.

Under his leadership, the President said Pakistan strengthened its foreign relations with China and many other friendly countries that continue to benefit our country to this day. “He brought industrial and technological advancements, such as the establishment of the Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi with Russian collaboration and the development of our defence industry that boosted our defense capabilities. It was due to his statesmanship that Pakistan hosted the 1974 Islamic Summit Conference, bringing together leaders of the Muslim world to enhance unity and cooperation among the Muslim Ummah. His efforts cemented Pakistan’s leadership role among developing nations and within the Islamic World, “ he said. The President said Shaheed Bhutto also focused on empowering the underprivileged and bridging economic disparities. “His land reforms and measures for the uplift of workers and laborers not only gave dignity to millions of people but also changed their lives. His economic initiatives, such as the creation of major public-sector enterprises and the expansion of education, health, and infrastructure, set the foundation for progress and development. Institutions like Allama Iqbal Open University and the focus on technical education were born from his resolve to make knowledge accessible to all,” he said.President Asif Ali Zardari said Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a staunch advocate of democracy, standing steadfast against dictatorship and oppression. “His ultimate sacrifice, facing the gallows rather than compromising on his principles, immortalized him as a beacon of resistance and resilience,” he said.As we observe Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s birth anniversary, he said let us renew our commitment to his ideals of democracy, equality, and socio-economic justice. “His dream of a progressive, sovereign, and inclusive Pakistan is more relevant today than ever.” President Asif Ali Zardari saif we need to carry forward his mission of building a Pakistan where the will of the people reigns supreme, and where every citizen enjoys equal opportunities. “Let us draw strength from his vision and work together to steer the country out of the current challenges and make Pakistan a prosperous and progressive country. Jiye Bhutto! Pakistan Khappay,” he said.