Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan: Bilawal


KARACHI/ ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 (SABAH): Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a rich tribute to the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world and party chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said that Benazir Bhutto is a beacon of a movement. The nation will never forget her national spirit, long struggle and strong leadership.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman PPP in his message on the 14th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto further said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan. Her struggle to make the country a true welfare state in the light of the thoughts and vision of our founding ancestors is historical.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi was not just the murder of a dream to save the people from poverty, unemployment and injustice, but a conspiracy to kill the entire nation. He pointed out that the heinous conspiracy was foiled by former President Asif Ali Zardari with the slogan “Pakistan Khappay”.

The PPP Chairman said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a universal figure and a people’s leader who promoted unity, harmony and progressive thinking in Pakistan and protected the political and economic rights of the people. As the Prime Minister, she introduced people-friendly policies in the country despite fierce opposition and obstacles. She took innumerable steps for the service of the public, and also highlighted the true image of Pakistan on an international level. The gift of missile technology for the defense of our motherland by the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world, is also unforgettable.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that for democracy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto lost her father, two brothers and even her mother. But she never feared the dictators. She kept fighting for democracy till the last hour of her life and in the end, achieved martyrdom.

Chairman PPP said that today is the day to make a pledge to eradicate terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, and to continue the struggle of strengthening democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament, and social equality. There can be no other way to pay homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Meanwhile former president of Pakistan and President Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, Asif Ali Zardari paid glowing tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her martyrdom anniversary. He reiterated his resolve of continuing the struggle to rid the country from poverty, financial instability and unemployment.

Asif Ali Zardari said that the country is dearer to us than our lives. We will not compromise on its freedom, dignity and respect. He said that today, the country is going through a dangerous situation, the economy, foreign affairs and law are all going through turmoil. He said that it pains him to see that the poor are suffering and have been deprived of the fruits of democracy.

Asif Ali Zardari said that since 2013, there have been constant attacks on the authority, honour and dignity of the parliament, and PPP has been resisting them. He said that the leadership of PPP saved and rebuilt the country after devastation in the past, and will do the same now. Patience and endurance are not our weaknesses but our principles. He said that we will not let Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s great sacrifice go in vain.

Meanwhile the 14th martyrdom anniversary of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto will be observed today (Monday).

Talking to media during his visit to Ghari Khuda Bakhsh on Sunday, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said tight security arrangements have been made to meet any eventuality.

Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party will hold special prayer ceremonies across the country for the late leader. Quran and Fateh Khawani will also be held at her Mazar at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Larkana.

PPP Punjab will also organize a central ceremony at its offices in Lahore, Rawalpindi and South Punjab to pay tributes to Benazir Bhutto for her services for democracy.