GILGIT, Dec 27: Thousands of people, including activists of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and other political groupings in major towns of the Northern Areas remembered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on her first death anniversary on Saturday.

They renewed the pledge to fulfil the slain leader’s missions, i.e. to strive for strengthening democracy in the country.

Glowing tributes were paid to Ms Bhutto in condolence references, Quran Khawani, talk shows and declamation contests arranged at district level.

In the condolence references, speakers said Ms Bhutto gave her life for democracy and freedom.

Two-minute silence was observed during all functions at 5:20pm, the time the PPP chairperson was killed in a suicide attack outside Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi.

There was a public holiday across the region to facilitate the people to participate in the remembrance ceremonies.

Hundreds of PPP workers from the Gilgit-Baltistan had earlier reached Garhi Khuda Bux to participate in the mega event at the Bhutto family tomb.

Various social welfare bodies, government and non-governmental organisations also arranged declamation and debate contests on the life of the Bhutto family.

Similarly, Gilgit and Skardu radio stations broadcast special programmes on the political struggle of Benazir Bhutto and her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

The regional newspapers published supplements on the life of the Bhutto family and their political and democratic struggle.

Huge portraits of Benazir Bhutto were displayed at prominent points in Gilgit city, carrying messages to take forward the mission of the slain leader.