Daily Times

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday said the nation eloquently commemorates the indelible legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first democratically elected woman prime minister of the Islamic world as well as esteemed leader of the world, saying that the “Daughter of the East” stands not only as a historical figure but as a living movement and a radiant torch. Her nationalistic spirit, enduring struggle and steadfast leadership destined to be ingrained in the hearts and minds of the Pakistani nation, he said while sharing a reflective message on the occasion of 16th martyrdom anniversary of slain Chairperson of PPP Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to be celebrated on Wednesday. He said that her mother remained ardently dedicated he life to the noble cause of transforming the country into a genuine welfare state, guided by the visionary ideals of the nation’s founding leaders.

He said that throughout her life, BB Shaheed bound together Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan like a harmonious chain. “Her tragic assassination was a malevolent scheme, strategically targeting the momentum of advancement and the realization of Pakistan’s vision for enlightened moderation and a democratic society,” he added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that on the one hand, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as the PPP chairperson, took the ideology of the Quaid-e-Awam and his party to new heights through her philosophy and unparalleled struggle, while as a political leader, she always represented the real populace by becoming the voice of the common man and the downtrodden classes of the country. “On the other hand, as a prime minister, she strengthened the national defense by giving the gift of ballistic missile technology, protected the rights and took the far-reaching measures by ensuring the welfare and development of country’s salaried class, farmers, workers, minorities, women, children and the elderly,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari assured the nation that the election manifesto to be presented by the PPP in the fast approaching general elections would resonate with the visionary aspirations and missions set forth by the Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Expressing unwavering dedication, he affirmed that his party staunchly upholds the cherished philosophy of its martyred leadership, saying, PPP is determined to make the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto a reality, that Pakistan should be the model of excellence for the world as an prosperous, progressive, egalitarian and strong democratic federal state.

Former President of Pakistan and President of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, Asif Ali Zardari has paid homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on the occasion of her martyrdom and said that according to her mission, the struggle for a free and independent Pakistan, empowered Parliament and the rule of the Constitution will continue.

In a message on the eve of the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he said that eliminating poverty, unemployment and economic misery from the country was the mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the completion of this mission is the priority of the Pakistan Peoples Party.

He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was neither afraid of dictators nor did she fear the extremists. The bravery of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is the legacy of the leadership and workers of Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari said.

Asif Zardari said that the time is not far away when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan will be the realization of a Pakistan free of political, social and economic exploitation. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s philosophy was that the prosperity of the workers and farmers of Pakistan would guarantee the country’s progress. Asif Ali Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party guarantees the best future for the youth and will strive to provide them with opportunities to advance and develop.

The Caretaker Sindh government on Tuesday declared December 27 (Wednesday) as a public holiday throughout the province on the occasion of the Martyrdom (Shahadat) of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

According to a notification issued here, the public holiday has been announced for all the offices, autonomous, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils under the administrative control of the Sindh government, except the essential services.

Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arslan Sheikh on Tuesday said that the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had taken remarkable steps for empowering women in Pakistan according to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Talking to APP here, he paid rich tribute to Shaheed Muhttarma Benazir Bhutto on the occasion of her death anniversary.

Arslan said, Shaheed BB had dedicated her life to the service of the nation and never bowed before any anti-democratic power, adding a quote of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto from her last speech: “I put my life in danger and came here because I feel this country is in danger. I want to see a prosperous, progressive and developed Pakistan.”

These words of Ms Bhutto reflect her vision and dream of Pakistan, although she is no more among us, her vision is alive, Arslan observed. He said that history would always remember her for standing up against dictators, adding that she was the voice of the downtrodden.

He further said that among her many achievements for Pakistan is the missile technology for the country. Agosta submarine for the Navy, women banks and women police stations are among her achievements, he said.

Also, the Women Affairs Ministry was formed during her first tenure in 1988. She appointed women judges, as well as thousands of Lady Health Visitors to minimize infant mortality, started campaign to make the country polio free, he said.

The Mayor Sukkur said that Mohttarma Shaheed was a mother, a wife, a leader, a daughter, a sister who sacrificed her life for the cause of democracy so that her children and the children of the country and future generations and all of us can breathe in fresh air of democratic life.