ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party leaders paid rich tributes to late party leader and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on her 73rd birth anniversary and vowed to continue her mission.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said that as the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, Benazir Bhutto broke barriers and opened new possibilities for women in public life.

At a time of considerable political uncertainty, she stood firmly for democratic governance, constitutional rule and the right of the people to determine their future through the ballot box.

Her public life reflected resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering belief in the strength of democratic institutions.

“Today, on the 73rd birth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, the nation remembers a leader whose courage, political vision and commitment to democracy left a lasting mark on Pakistan’s history,” the president said.

Paying glowing tributes to Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari said, “She showed that leadership is never one-dimensional. She fulfilled many roles in life — as a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend, a patriot and a citizen of the world committed to peace. She approached each responsibility with courage, conviction and a deep sense of duty.”

He said she remained closely engaged with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Whether speaking about employment, education, healthcare or the welfare of vulnerable communities, she believed public office carried a responsibility to improve people’s lives. Her politics was rooted in the conviction that progress must reach those who had long remained on the margins of development.

PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari extended felicitations to PPP workers, sympathisers and democrats across the country. In a statement, he said the slogan, “The chain binding the four provinces is Benazir,” reflects recognition of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s services to the nation. He added that she continues to live in the hearts of millions of Pakistanis.

Mr Bukhari said the continuity of the democratic system, the supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of Parliament stand as testimony to the struggle and sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto. He described the nuclear and missile programme as one of Benazir Bhutto’s unparalleled contributions to safeguarding the country.

According to Mr Bukhari, her Charter of Democracy has become a symbol of continuity for the parliamentary democratic system. He said the national, democratic, constitutional and public services of the incomparable leader, Benazir Bhutto, would always be remembered.

He noted that Benazir Bhutto waged a historic struggle for the restoration and strengthening of democracy. Mr Bukhari vowed that, following her mission, the party would continue working to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism. Under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said, the struggle against those seeking to impose ideologies through force would continue.

The PPP will persist in its struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of parliament while promoting the ideology and philosophy of Benazir Bhutto, he said.

The party remains committed to carrying forward her mission, he added. PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also paid tribute to the life and struggle of Benazir Bhutto.

“On her 73rd birthday, we honour one of Pakistan’s finest leaders,” Senator Rehman said. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s courage, vision and sacrifices continue to inspire not only Pakistanis but millions around the world.

“She was a beacon of hope for the marginalised, women, the voiceless and the oppressed, and her fight was always for them.”

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026