LAHORE, Dec 27: Civil society activists lit candles and observed a vigil at Liberty roundabout on Monday to commemorate the third death anniversary of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto and pay homage to her struggle for democracy and civil rights. The event, organised by the People's Justice Forum, was attended by officials of the HRCP, the People's Lawyers Forum, SAFMA, SAP Pakistan, the Joint Action Committee and members of minority groups.

A one-minute silence was observed on the occasion.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Asma Jehangir said the country had lost a great and brave leader three years ago. Bhutto's leadership could not be ignored and forgotten, she said.“Though there were differences between the HRCP and the Benazir's two governments on different issues and she was criticised even in her presence, Benazir neither reacted nor humiliated civil society.

“Every sensible Pakistani is grieving on her untraced assassination.”

She said the killers of Ms Bhutto, Baloch nationalist Akbar Bugti and former prime minister Liaqat Ali Khan could be identified and captured if the people of Pakistan forced the government to do so.

Peace activist IA Rehman called the event homage to the late Bhutto, saying there was a need to commemorate the day in a more effective manner to strengthen democracy and human and civil rights.

Other participants were Hina Jilani, PPP activist-cum-political prisoner Javed Akhtar, Nasir Jalib, Anjum Rasheed, Iftikhar Butt and Abdullah Mubarik, convener of People's Justice Forum.

The Pakistan Peoples Party also held a vigil outside the Punjab Assembly to commemorate the death anniversary.

PPP leader Asif Hashmi also organised a function at his residence in which special children paid tribute to the late Bhutto.