PESHAWAR: Pakistan Peoples Party, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaders on Saturday paid rich tributes to the party’s founding chairman and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and vowed to fulfil his mission for people’s welfare.

They were speaking at an event held at the Peshawar Press Club on Saturday under the aegis of the PPP women’s wing to mark the 47th death anniversary of the former prime minister.

A large number of women attended the event, reflecting a strong emotional and ideological attachment to Bhutto’s legacy.

The speakers highlighted his contributions to democracy, public empowerment and national sovereignty, describing him as a visionary leader whose influence continues to resonate in contemporary politics.

47th death anniversary of PPP founder observed in Peshawar

Benazir Income Support Programme chairperson Rubina Khalid attended the event as the chief guest. In her address, she described April 4 as one of the darkest days in the country’s history, stating that Pakistan had lost a courageous and farsighted leader whose absence was still deeply felt.

She said leaders of Bhutto’s stature were born once in a century and noted that his political philosophy continued to inspire generations. She credited him with laying the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, strengthening the country’s defence and ensuring its strategic independence, while also acknowledging Benazir Bhutto’s role in advancing missile technology.

Ms Khalid said PPP governments had delivered significant development projects and empowered citizens through initiatives such as the introduction of national identity cards and passports. She maintained that the country’s future lay in the ideology associated with Bhutto, which she said was rooted in democracy, equality and public welfare.

Criticising the current government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she alleged that an imposed administration had hindered the province’s progress. She added that the people of the province had consistently stood by the country since its creation and continued to support the armed forces.

She also warned against attempts by certain elements to promote anti-state narratives among the youth, asserting that the PPP would never support forces working against the country. “We are Pakistanis first, before any ethnic identity,” she said.

Ms Khalid said Bhutto had sacrificed his life for the country without compromising on his principles, and urged the young generation to follow his example of courage, resilience and commitment.

The ceremony concluded with participants reaffirming their resolve to carry forward Bhutto’s mission and political ideology.

Meanwhile, PPP central secretary general Mohammad Humayun Khan, in a separate statement, paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing him as a statesman, a popular leader and a champion of democracy.

He said Bhutto played a historic role in making Pakistan a strong, sovereign and nuclear power, and credited him with strengthening the country’s political and democratic foundations.

Mr Khan said Bhutto awakened political consciousness among the masses, made them aware of their rights and promoted democratic traditions. He added that under Bhutto’s leadership, Pakistan gained greater recognition at the global level and made efforts to foster unity among Muslim countries.

He alleged that Bhutto was taken away from the nation through an authoritarian decision, but said his ideology and the people’s affection for him remained alive.

He reaffirmed that the PPP would continue its struggle for the protection of public rights and the promotion of Bhutto’s political philosophy.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026