Political leaders hail Benazir as champion of democracy – Pakistan

KARACHI: The President, Senate President, National Assembly Speaker and other leaders hailed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto as a champion of democracy on her 17th death anniversary, remembering her fight for the oppressed.

The PPP leader was assassinated on December 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said Ms. Bhutto “embodied the spirit of hope, resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and justice.”

She was a pioneer who dreamed of a Pakistan where the rights of all citizens, irrespective of colour, class and creed, would be protected and the power of the people would reign supreme, said Zardari, spouse of the late prime minister.

He said Ms Bhutto believed in the “transformative power” of people and envisioned a Pakistan where all children could access education, women could progress as equals and justice was not a privilege but a right.

They promise to carry forward the former prime minister’s vision of a peaceful and progressive Pakistan

“Throughout her life, she raised her voice and worked for the upliftment of the downtrodden segments of society and the empowerment of women.”

He reaffirmed the commitment to promote his vision of a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan.

Bhutto sacrificed her life for the cause of democracy and Pakistan, he said, urging the nation to work together to realize her dream of a “peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan”.

Senate President Yousaf Raza Gillani paid tribute to the slain leader and praised her as a strong symbol of democracy.

Bhutto “set a new benchmark for democracy, equality and human rights, not just in Pakistan but around the world,” Gillani said.

He praised his unwavering dedication to democratic values ​​and stated that his political struggle and principled leadership “will forever remain a guiding light for the people of Pakistan.”

PPP president and Bhutto’s son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said his mother’s life was an embodiment of courage, resilience and hope for millions of Pakistanis.

A press release issued by the Bilawal House media cell quoted the PPP chairman as saying: “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto envisioned a Pakistan where all citizens would have equal opportunities and access to resources, irrespective of their origin.

“We are determined to follow his philosophy of human freedom and democratic norms, continuing our fight against terrorism, extremism and any force that threatens the stability of Pakistan.”

In their messages, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Vice President Ghulam Mustafa Shah praised the late Prime Minister’s contribution to democracy.

President Sadiq called for adhering to Bhutto’s legacy of promoting reconciliation and strengthening democracy.

Vice President Shah said Bhutto was an “exemplary leader” who played a pivotal role in restoring democracy and bringing political, social and educational awareness to the public.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also paid tribute to Bhutto and said her legacy “will never be forgotten”.

“Today we remember their sacrifice and pledge to follow their path, striving to give Pakistan the position it deserves,” Kundi said.

PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said the late Prime Minister “reshaped” Pakistan’s political and social landscape.

“His loss was not only a devastating blow to the Pakistan People’s Party; “It was an incomparable tragedy for the nation,” he added.

With APP input

Published in Dawn, December 27, 2024



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