Bilawal Bhutto pays tributes to Benazir, martyrs of Karsaz

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that despite the fact that 18 years had passed since the Karsaz tragedy in which 180 party workers and supporters had lost their lives, the incident remained etched in people’s memories, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking to the media, he said that 18 years back, on this day, over three million people had taken to streets of Karachi to welcome the slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto (BB).

He said that those (militants and dictators) who had attacked the ‘caravan of democracy’ on that day wanted to eliminate democracy from the country. “But the workers, by laying down their lives, foiled their plans,” he added.

Bilawal, on the occasion, expressed the resolve to carry on the mission of Benazir and the ‘martyrs’ of Karsaz tragedy.

President pays tribute to BB on Karsaz anniversary

President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the martyrs of democracy on the 18th anniversary of Karsaz tragedy.

He said that from that day until her martyrdom, her life and sacrifice remained a source of guidance and strength for all those who stood for democracy and peace.

The president said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan on this day despite clear threats to her life, adding she remained resolute after the terrorist attack at Karsaz and continued her struggle for the restoration of democracy.

“Recalling the events that followed, the president said that she visited hospitals and neighbourhoods the next day to meet the injured and console the bereaved families, reflecting her deep concern for her workers and the people of Pakistan,” President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

As the nation continued to confront terrorism and extremism, the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy reinforced their resolve to defeat all such forces, he further added.

Sherry Rehman pays tribute to martyrs, survivors

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Senator Sherry Rehman has paid tribute to the martyrs and survivors of the tragic Karsaz attack on its 18th anniversary on Saturday.

“On October 18, 2007, the convoy of democracy was attacked by terrorists at Karsaz,” Sherry Rehman said, adding that it was the deadliest attack in Pakistan’s political history against any political party, said in a message through press release received in Islamabad on Saturday.

She noted that more than 180 PPP workers were martyred and hundreds were injured in the horrific incident.

“The wounds of Karsaz remain fresh even today. We salute the martyrs and the injured for their unmatched sacrifice and courage,” she stated.

Senator Rehman said that PPP workers set a new example of loyalty and bravery, standing firm in the face of terror. “October 18 was not just the day Benazir Bhutto returned — it was the day democracy itself returned to Pakistan,” she emphasized.

She recalled that millions of people had gathered on the streets of Karachi to welcome their beloved leader, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who returned home with a clear vision and mission — to end dictatorship, extremism, poverty, and injustice.

“The Pakistan Peoples Party has made the greatest sacrifices for the cause of the Constitution and democracy,” she said. “Our workers laid down their lives bravely in the fight against dictatorship and terrorism.”

Senator Rehman said the heroism of PPP’s loyal workers will be written in golden letters in history, and that the party will never forget its martyrs.

“The PPP will continue to carry forward the mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,” she affirmed.