LAHORE: Mani Pahalwan, 70, started his 35th sojourn to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh from Lahore to pay homage to his mentor Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on his death anniversary.

“I am not well but as long as I am alive I will reach Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to attend the death anniversary of Z.A Bhutto each year,” Haji Habibur Rehman, known in the PPP circles as Mani Pahalwan, told Dawn.

Interestingly, hardly a PPP worker or leader knows Mani’s real name. He is very popular among the PPP circles. Even Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accords him special honour.

Mani who joined the Bhutto’s party soon after it was founded in 1967 said: “The charismatic personality of Bhutto inspired me and I decided to devote the rest of my life to his party.” Mani, a resident of Garhi Shahu, was fond of wrestling and used to take part in local level competition (of Pahalwani).

“I felt losing ground under my feet when I heard the news of my leader’s execution at the Kot Lakhpath Jail. I along with other PPP jialas languishing in the jail started crying. We could not eat for quite some time in a state of shock.”

Mani said he fell seriously ill some five years ago when Bhutto’s death anniversary was approaching. “I insisted on going to the last abode of my leader but my family literally stopped me from going there. I told my children there are several Jialas in the party who could even carry me to the grave of Bhutto on their shoulders. I feel relieved the moment I am among the graves of the Bhuttos,” Mani says.

Recalling his time with ZAB, Mani says: “Bhutto sahib would offer me a seat next to him. He was a brave leader. He will live in my heart as long as I am alive.”

Talking to Dawn, Dr Mubashir Hasan, a founding member of PPP, recalled: “I remember 35 years ago no media would say a word in praise of Z.A Bhutto. He was considered a worst type of person. Slowly reality dawned upon the people. All foes wanted to celebrate his death anniversary and wanted to speak about his contributions.”

Hasan said ZAB was against imperialism. “Imperialist agents became a party to his judicial murder. Now the imperialist agents find themselves forced to recognize the services of the Bhutto. He was the first person who refused to take loans from financial institutions and aid tied with strings.”

Dr Hasan further said Bhutto restored the name of Pakistan as honourable member in the comity of nations.

“Pakistan passport was treated with honour. There was no visa for many countries in Europe. The services of Bhutto will be remembered for the long time to come.”