KARACHI: Mr. Z.A. Bhutto, Chairman of the Pak­istan People’s Party, on Saturday [Sept 11] dema­nded the transfer of power “here and now” if the people’s active support and co-operation was to be secured for tiding over the national crisis.

In an emotion-charged voice he said “if the ruling power did not wish to entrust power and responsibility to the People’s Party, then let it give power to any other party no matter whether it has captured ten, five or even a single Assembly seat”.

Mr. Bhutto was speaking at the Mazar of the Quaid-i-Azam to the people — men, women and children — who had come to offer Fateha and pay homage to the Father of the Nation in observance of his 23rd Death Anniversary.

… “Mr. Bhutto, in a rather militant posture, said that he and his party would continue political and constitutional struggle until the people’s fundamental rights were restored. “For all my 43 years I have lived a brave and courageous life, and now I am not going to act like a mouse. Life and death is in the hands of Allah”, he remarked with a dramatic touch. Turning his face towards the Quaid’s Mazar, Mr. Bhutto said at the top of his voice: “Quaid-i-Azam, be witness to my solemn pledge … I shall live, work and die for the people. I shall not betray them at any cost.”

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2021