October 19, 2008	Sunday	Shawwal 19, 1429

KARACHI, Oct 18: The Pakistan People’s Party leaders on Saturday paid tribute to the party supporters who were killed in twin blasts that targeted former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s welcome procession near Karsaz on this day a year ago.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Leader of the House in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani unveiled a plaque on Sharea Faisal near Karsaz in memory of the heroes who laid their lives while protecting the leader on this day a year ago.

Ms Bhutto got an epic reception as she ended more than eight years of her self-exile by returning to the country on Oct 18 last year. She was attacked on her way to the Quaid’s mausoleum where she was scheduled to address an awaiting crowd. She survived the attack that claimed more than 150 deaths and left over 400 others injured.

President Asif Ali Zardari, who is co-chairman of the PPP, in a message on the occasion paid tributes to the martyrs saying that it was because of their sacrifices that democracy was restored in the country.

Calling them the martyrs of democracy, he said they embraced martyrdom for restoration of people’s rule so that rights of the common man and the downtrodden people were fully protected. He said that a memorial would be built at Karsaz to pay tribute to the martyrs while their families would always be respected.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that Oct 18 would be remembered as a black day as the terrorist attack claimed hundreds of lives on this day. Paying rich tributes to the fallen heroes, he said they embraced martyrdom to save their leader who gave her life too for the cause of democracy, freedom and emancipation of the down-trodden and a prosperous country free from extremism. He also paid tribute to Ms Bhutto for her courageous stand despite life threats given by certain elements to confine her to her residence.

Raza Rabbani also paid tribute to the blast victims saying that the party would never forget them nor abandon their kith and kin.

The chief minister and leader of the house in the senate also visited the Karachi Press Club to participate in a gathering organized to remember ARY’s cameraman Arif Khan, who also died in the attack.

Earlier, Quran Khwani was held in different areas. Special candle vigil was also organized in their memory.