KARACHI, April 4: Speakers at a book launching ceremony have termed the founder of the Pakistan People’s Party, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as the most outstanding leader of the country whose vision was close to that of the Quaid-i-Azam.

The launch of the book written by Abdul Ghafoor Bhurgari titled “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: The Falcon of Pakistan” was held at Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, former Sindh governor Kamal Azfar said the courage of Z.A. Bhutto was such that he willingly faced death for his beliefs.

“The most important and enduring legacy of Bhutto was raising consciousness of the people for democracy as he awakened the masses making them realize that they were the legitimate fountainhead of political power,” he said.

According to him, to his lasting credit remained the 1973 Constitution, the Simla accord which brought the longest spell of peace between Pakistan and India, the social reforms to build an egalitarian society, the non-aligned foreign policy, the nuclear programme and the building of social and economic infrastructure of the country.

Kamal Azfar said Bhutto was a true leader as his commitment to the country and the nation needed no mention.

He belonged to a category of anti-imperialist leaders who included Jamal Nasir of Egypt and Jawahir Lal Nehru of India.

Referring to his China policy, he claimed as foreign minister he helped establish brotherly relations between China and Pakistan.

Presenting his point of view over the personality of Z.A. Bhutto, the author of the book said the sacrifices rendered by the Bhutto family were unprecedented in the country’s history.

He said mistakes were committed by every individual and Bhutto was no exception. However, his accomplishments were more than any prime minister’s in Pakistan.

Iqbal Akhund, Pakistan’s former permanent representative to the United Nations, in his speech said that Mr Bhutto established a balanced foreign policy for the country.—PPI/APP