PESHAWAR, Dec 30: The Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, a welfare organisation founded by Benazir Bhutto two years ago as its patron-in-chief, has said that in her death “Pakistan has lost a symbol of federation”.

Addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Sunday, SBF chief Dr M. Kamal said: “We have lost a beloved leader, a brave daughter of a brave father and a champion of democracy.”

He alleged that Ms Bhutto was a victim of grand conspiracy hatched because the rulers were afraid of her popularity, people’s trust in her leadership and her international standing and considered her a threat to the repressive and dictatorial rule.

“Today, the entire nation in mourning her demise.”

He said the leadership vacuum created after her assassination would have a disastrous effect on the solidarity and very existence of the federation of Pakistan. “This was a result of dictatorial policies of the present regime which has created hatred, enmity and bitterness among the people of Pakistan.”

Dr Kamal quoted a letter that late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had written to Ms Bhutto from prison in which he criticised the military dictators who caused internal divisions and external confusions. “They have betrayed the Constitution and the people and destroyed human values,” the letter said.

He said Ms Bhutto was destined to sweep the coming elections despite the plan to rig the polls chalked out by the government of Pervez Musharraf and its supporters.

He said the SBF had launched a people’s health programme. “We will establish Benazir Hospital in Peshawar to provide free healthcare to the poor of the province,” he added.

Dr Kamal said the SBF would also establish schools for the poor under its People’s Education Programme.

He said that Mohtarma was a champion of democracy and she gave her life for the cause of democracy. The BSF, he said, bestowed on her the title of Shaheed-i-Jamhooriat (martyr of democracy) for her struggle and sacrifices for democracy in the country. He said the BSF had set up Benazir Institute of Democracy which would work for the promotion of democracy, restoration of the Constitution, strengthening of the judiciary, protection of human rights and empowerment of people.

Dr Kamal said the BSF would also work for socio-economic development of Fata as promised by Ms Bhutto. He said the BSF would organise a reference on Jan 27 to pay homage to the great lady of Asia.