TAXILA:Tributes were paid to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary at a reference arranged by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) local leader Sardar Liaquat Ali Khan here.

Speaking on the occasion, PPP leaders lauded the services of Ms Bhutto for democracy. They also highlighted the achievements of Ms Bhutto for the cause of democracy and said she sacrificed her life for the people of Pakistan. The speakers also praised her for her bravery and courage and women emancipation.

PPP Taxila chapter leader Sardar Liaquat Ali Khan said that the PPP chairperson sacrificed her life but did not compromise on principles. He said that Ms Bhutto was a great leader and her services would always be remembered.

“As the prime minister, she introduced people-friendly policies in the country despite fierce opposition and obstacles.”

He said for democracy, Ms Bhutto lost her father and two brothers but never feared the dictators and kept fighting for democracy till the last hour of her life when she achieved martyrdom.

Nargis Faiz Malik, former member Punjab Assembly and general secretary of PPP Punjab women’s wing, said that Ms Bhutto strived for the restoration of democracy in the country. She said that the former prime minister laid down her life for the cause of democracy and rule of law and constitutionalism.

She said Ms Bhutto created awareness among the masses about their rights and the PPP leadership always struggled to strengthen democracy in the country.

“We draw inspiration from her heroic struggle against dictatorship and extremism. She taught us to serve the people, to strive for a Pakistan for all, not just the privileged few,” said Sumera Gul, divisional vice president of the PPP women wing. She further said that Ms Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan.

“The nation will never forget her national spirit, long struggle and strong leadership,” she added.

Chaudhry Zaheer Sultan, president PPP Rawalpindi chapter, said that Ms Bhutto’s struggle to make the country a true welfare state was historical.

“The assassination of Ms Bhutto was not just the murder of a dream to save the people from poverty, unemployment and injustice, but a conspiracy to kill the entire nation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2022