Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is all set to observe Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed’s 38th death anniversary by holding huge public gatherings in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh as well as other parts of the country and abroad.

Caravans of PPP workers have started to reach his tomb at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, especially from the Punjab to pay tribute to ZA Bhutto’s matchless services.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the Islamic nuclear programme, was hanged by the military dictator General Ziaul Haq in 1979. Most consider the death sentence handed down to ZA Bhutto a gross injustice while the PPP has moved court against the unjust verdict.

Bhutto’s daughter Benazir, who become the first female prime minister of the country, served the nation twice. However, she was also assassinated by undemocratic and anti-state elements during her struggle against another military dictator, General (r) Pervez Musharraf.

On the eve of the death anniversary, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is ZA Bhutto’s grandson and the current PPP chairperson, will address a public gathering in Larkana. His father, Asif Ali Zardari and his sisters may also make an appearance to address the workers.

The PPP European Chapter is holding a special ceremony in a church in Spain. It will be addressed by PPP Overseas European Chapter vice president Javed Iqbal Gill. From Pakistan, PPP Information Secretary Chaudhry Manzoor, PPP Central Punjab President Qamar Zaman Kaira and minorities’ leader Napoleon Qayyum will also address the ceremony by telephone.

According to the party sources, former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani and his family will also participate in the ceremony at Garhi Khuda Bhukh.

The party leaders in Lahore and other cities of the province of Punjab are going to observe the death anniversary at their residences by offering fateha. However, no official ceremony is being held as the party has not yet announced district and city level organisations.