Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) celebrated 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on Sunday (today).
On her birth anniversary, President Asif Ali Zardari said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto inspired those who believe in democracy and championed issues of education for children, opportunities for young people, reliable public services and greater participation of women in national life.
He said, “Today, on the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the nation remembers a leader whose courage, political vision and commitment to democracy left a lasting mark on Pakistan’s history.”
“As the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto broke barriers and opened new possibilities for women in public life. At a time of considerable political uncertainty, she stood firmly for democratic governance, constitutional rule and the right of the people to determine their future through the ballot box. Her public life reflected resilience in the face of adversity and a steady belief in the strength of democratic institutions,” he added.
He said, “She showed that leadership is never one-dimensional. She fulfilled many roles in life, as a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend, a patriot and a citizen of the world committed to peace. She approached each responsibility with courage, conviction and a deep sense of duty.”
“She remained closely engaged with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Whether speaking about employment, education, health services or the welfare of vulnerable communities, she believed that public office carried a responsibility to improve people’s lives. Her politics was rooted in the conviction that progress must reach those who had long remained on the margins of development,” he continued.
On the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman paid a heartfelt tribute to the life, struggle, and towering legacy of Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, twice elected and a global icon of democracy and women’s empowerment.
“On her 73rd birthday, we honour one of Pakistan’s finest leaders,” said Senator Rehman. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s courage, vision, and sacrifices continue to inspire not only Pakistanis but millions around the world.
She was a beacon of hope for the marginalized, the women, the voiceless,and the oppressed-and her fight was always for them.”
Speaking about the threats Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto faced, Senator Rehman recalled the dangerous political landscape in which she led from the front. “We walked into one of the largest terrorist attacks Pakistan had ever seen. She knew the risks, yet she persisted because she was waiting for us, not for herself, but for Pakistan’s women, so they would not be left behind,” said Senator Rehman.