President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday reiterated the resolve to further strengthen democracy by seeking guidance from the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
He said by adhering to Shaheed Bibi’s principles, they would ensure the protection of every citizen’s fundamental rights.
The ideology of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remained a beacon of light for the establishment of a just and democratic society.
In a message on the occasion of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s 72nd birth anniversary, the president paid tribute to her national services and great sacrifices.
“Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried out an unforgettable struggle for democracy, human dignity, and women’s rights. She resisted dictatorship with courage and steadfastness,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
He said Shaheed Mohtarma led the movements for the restoration of democracy in the country as she firmly believed in the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution.
“The sacrifices, vision, and commitment of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to the people are the collective legacy of the Pakistan Peoples Party,” he added.
The president said Shaheed Bibi remained a champion of women’s social and economic empowerment, adding she was the voice of the underprivileged and minorities, and aspired for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.
Sindh Assembly
The Sindh Assembly on Saturday passed a resolution to pay rich tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on the occasion of her 72nd birth anniversary.
The resolution was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh President and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Nisar Khuhro. He requested the acting Speaker, Naveed Anthony, to relax the house rules to allow him to table the resolution. The acting Speaker granted the request and permitted the resolution to be presented.
However, the session witnessed a protest walkout by members of the opposition, including lawmakers from MQM-Pakistan. Speaking on the matter, Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi said that while Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is a respected figure, no agenda item other than the budget should be discussed during a budget session.
Responding to the objection, Nisar Khuhro asserted that the Speaker holds the authority to relax rules and allow resolutions to be tabled. With the acting Speaker’s permission, the resolution was formally introduced and subsequently passed.
According to the text of the resolution, the House paid tribute to the first elected female Prime Minister of the Muslim world, calling Shaheed Benazir Bhutto a symbol of democracy. It lauded her courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, highlighting how her legacy continues to inspire generations and guide the nation toward peace, progress, and prosperity.
The Sindh Assembly marked the 72nd birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto with heartfelt remembrance and prayers.
Speaker/Acting Governor Syed Awais Qadir Shah, CM Murad Ali Shah, Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, and senior PPP leaders gathered for a cake-cutting ceremony.
Former CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and ex-Speakers Nisar Khuhro and Agha Siraj Durrani also joined in paying tribute.
Ministers, MPAs, and party members shared memories of Mohtarma, remembering her courage and compassion.
Speaker/Acting Governor Syed Awais Qadir Shah reflected on her legacy as a guiding light for democracy, justice, and hope in Pakistan.
Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi
On the 72nd birth anniversary of Pakistan Peoples Party’s legendary leader, former Prime Minister, and the symbol of democracy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Provincial Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sherazi paid tribute to her services. He stated that Benazir Bhutto emerged not only as a revolutionary and courageous leader in Pakistan’s history but also in the Islamic world. She rendered unforgettable services for public welfare, constitutional supremacy, women’s rights, and the protection of minorities. In his message, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sherazi emphasized that Benazir Bhutto’s vision was not confined to politics but was centered on public service, education, health, employment, and poverty alleviation. She introduced revolutionary initiatives including modern hospitals, educational institutions, and women empowerment programs. Under her leadership, Pakistan achieved a positive international image. He further added that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s mission continues today under the leadership of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who are upholding her vision by strengthening social justice, federal unity, constitutional rule, and the continuity of democracy. Riaz Sherazi noted that in the current political environment, the absence of a visionary, wise, and courageous leader like Benazir Bhutto is deeply felt. Her martyrdom was the greatest sacrifice for the cause of democracy, which enlightened the nation with awareness of freedom of expression, constitutional supremacy, and civil rights.
Governor Kundi
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, on her birth anniversary, calling her a symbol of democracy and a beacon of hope for the people.
In his message, Governor Kundi said that Benazir Bhutto was not only the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan but also the first in the Muslim world to lead a democratic country, thereby empowering women with identity, courage, and dignity.
He praised her political vision, unwavering commitment to democracy, and lifelong passion for public service, saying that these continue to serve as a guiding light for the nation.
“Shaheed Benazir Bhutto earned her place as a true people’s leader by standing firmly against dictatorship, advocating for constitutional supremacy, and becoming the voice of the marginalized,” he said.
“Her mission was to create a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and developed Pakistan, a dream for which she sacrificed her life.”
Reaffirming his commitment to her legacy, Governor Kundi vowed to carry forward her vision by adhering to the principles of democracy, constitutional rule, and public service.
He concluded that today’s remembrance is not just a tribute to a remarkable individual but a reminder that her mission is a collective future for the entire nation.
He also emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party, under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, continues the struggle to realize Benazir Bhutto’s dream for Pakistan.
Larkana
On the auspicious occasion of the 72nd birth anniversary of the Daughter of the East and Leader of democracy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, a delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) District Larkana paid homage at her mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Saturday.
Under the esteemed guidance of PPP District Larkana General Secretary and Chairman District Council Larkana, Ijaz Ahmed Leghari, the delegation visited the resting places of Shaheed Rani Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and other martyrs.They performed Quran recitation, laid traditional flower wreaths (paholas), and offered Fateha.
The solemn ceremony saw the participation of key party figures, including Muhammad Anwar Buriro , General Secretary of Pakistan People’s City Neodero, Haji Mumtaz Ali Chhawan, Vice President of Tehsil Ratodero; Khalid Raza Junejo, Information Secretary and Haji Abdul Khaliq Bhutto, Chairman Municipal Committee Neodero.
A large number of office bearers and respected workers from Tehsil Ratodero and various other Tehsils and union councils also joined in paying their respects to the beloved leaders.
The gathering underscored the enduring legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the continued commitment of the Pakistan Peoples Party to her vision of democracy and public service.