ISLAMABAD: The English and Urdu translation of a book, Benazir, was launched at Islamabad Club on Thursday.

The book, which is a biographical novel, was written in Turkish language by Yasar Seyman, a leader of the opposition party in Turkey, in 2014.

Ms Seyman, who came to Pakistan to participate in the launch ceremony of the book, told Dawn “Benazir is the face of Pakistan.

I was following her since she became the first female prime minister of any Islamic country in 1988 and that is why I decided to write a book about her.”

She said it took three years to complete the book which became so much popular in Turkey that its first edition was sold out within a month.

“I also put my love in the book due to which whenever I had to criticise Benazir Bhutto I did it as people whisper. Other reason is that the former prime minister has passed away,” she said.

Replying a question, Ms Seyman said people of Turkey had very much love in their hearts for the people of Pakistan.

“Turkish women idealise Benazir Bhutto and her struggle,” she said.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while speaking to the participants said it was a great day for him as his father was released from jail.

“When my mother was assassinated, people were looking to me to write on her assassination but I did not have the courage to do so. In Pakistan efforts are being made to remove the name of Benazir Bhutto. Funds were spent to remove the name of Benazir from the Islamabad airport,” he said.

He said the name of the former prime minister could be removed from Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) but cannot be removed from the hearts of people.

“While my mother was making efforts, a number of religious verdicts were issued that a woman cannot become the prime minister of Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Bilawal said after the elections in 1988, an offer was made to Asif Zardari to become the prime minister. However, he (Mr Zardari) said how can he replace a person who remained in jail of Gen Ziaul Haq.

“Nowadays it is observed that even those people are becoming rulers who run from their house when police reached outside. Ms Bhutto used to lead long marches but nowadays people wave their hands from containers,” he said.

Mr Bilawal said Ms Bhutto sacrificed her life but did not compromise on principles.

Organiser of the event Farrukh Sohail Goindi, who is also author of nine books, told Dawn that he translated the book into both English and Urdu languages so people of Pakistan would know Ms Bhutto was respected in other countries as well.

Mr Goindi said the author was the leader of an opposition party in Turkey and especially came to Pakistan to participate in the launching ceremony.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2019