QUETTA: Treasury and opposition members in the Balochistan Assembly on Monday came together to praise late Benazir Bhutto, saying the former prime minister will always be remembered as a great brave leader who never compromised the rights of the people, the democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution and parliament.
The house adopted a resolution saying that the PPP chairperson, whose death anniversary was celebrated last week, had sacrificed her life for the betterment of the country.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti presented a joint resolution during the session, which was chaired by President Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. The other sponsors of the resolution were Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri, Bakhat Mohammad Kakar and Mir Sadiq Umrani.
CM Bugti said Benazir Bhutto, like her martyred father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, occupied a unique position in national and international politics. She was genuinely one of the most popular and loved political figures in the four provinces, he said, adding that she had deep affection for the people of Balochistan.
Opposition and treasury MPAs in Balochistan pass unanimous resolution
He said Benazir Bhutto bravely fought against all forms of oppression and dictatorship and even sacrificed her life for the welfare of the people, nurturing democracy in the process.
Throughout her life, the murdered leader remained active for women’s rights, education, health and economic development. Through his selfless and courageous leadership, he inspired young people. Benazir Bhutto faced the martyrdom of her father and the loss of her brothers for the sake of Pakistan, he said.
“Benazir Bhutto’s main objective was to ensure the rights of the people. The 18th Constitutional Amendment was also possible due to their efforts,” Bugti said.
In his speech, Irrigation Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani noted that the leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party had fought for the restoration of democracy in the country. Benazir Bhutto’s struggle led to the restoration of democracy.
Underlining the sacrifices made by the Bhutto family for democracy, he said Benazir Bhutto was a strong voice of the poor and also gave the country its missile programme.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Meena Majeed Baloch said Ms Bhutto was a guiding light for women around the world and one of the strongest women.
Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, provincial emir of Jamaat-i-Islami, said Benazir Bhutto’s leadership was a matter of pride for true political activists. He said she was an effective voice for Balochistan and his party supports the resolution.
Opposition leader Mir Yunus Aziz Zehri said Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices for democracy were unparalleled.
Mir Rahmat Saleh Baloch of the National Party lamented that true political leadership is often sidelined, adding that his party will continue to fight for the promotion of democracy.
The House later passed the resolution unanimously.
Published in Dawn, December 31, 2024
