PPP marks 72nd birth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto today

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is marking 72nd birth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, the first elected prime minister of the Islamic World, on Saturday (today).

On the eve of his mother’s birth anniversary, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid glowing tribute to his mother, calling her an eternal symbol of courage, democracy and hope for the people of Pakistan.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP chairman said in his message, “We remember not just the birth of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, but the birth of a movement — a fearless voice for the voiceless, a tireless champion of the people, and a daughter of the East whose heartbeat echoed in every corner of Pakistan.”

He said that Shaheed Benazir dedicated her life to the dream of a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Pakistan, adding that she fought for women’s rights, minority protections, the upliftment of the poor, and the restoration of democracy. “She broke the chains of fear and silenced the guns of tyranny with the strength of her words and the power of her principles,” he added.

Bilawal said that Benazir Bhutto’s politics were rooted in compassion and conviction. He urged the nation, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from her life and rise against injustice, inequality, and extremism.

“Benazir Bhutto may have been taken from us physically, but her courage, her ideals, and her love for Pakistan are immortal. Let us honor her by building the Pakistan she dreamed of — united, just, and truly democratic.”

Bilawal vowed to carry forward the mission of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto with unwavering commitment. “We, her children and her Jiyalas, are the custodians of her dream. We shall not rest until every child is in school, every woman is empowered, every citizen is treated equally, and the Constitution is supreme. Her mission lives on in every struggle we undertake for justice, dignity, and democracy,” he concluded.

In related development, Senator Rubina Khalid paid rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto on the occasion of her 72nd birth anniversary.

In her message, Senator Rubina Khalid said, “We pay homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her 72nd birthday. She carried forward the democratic mission of her father with immense courage and resilience.”

She highlighted that Benazir Bhutto made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world. “She stood firm against dictatorship and became a symbol of democratic struggle in Pakistan,” Rubina Khalid added.

“Her unmatched struggle for democracy in Pakistan remains a source of inspiration for generations. She dreamed of a progressive and democratic Pakistan and worked tirelessly for women’s empowerment,” said the Chairperson.

Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that despite numerous obstacles, Shaheed Benazir never bowed down. “Her sacrifices for democracy and Pakistan are unparalleled. Today, not just Pakistan but the entire world remembers her as a great leader,” she said.

Reflecting on her vision during exile, Rubina Khalid noted, “It was her dream to establish a strong support system for the underprivileged people of Pakistan. The Benazir Income Support Programme is a realization of that dream.”

In connection with Benazir Bhutto’s birth anniversary, Senator Rubina Khalid announced that the Benazir Hunarmand Programme will be launched under the banner of BISP.

The programme will be inaugurated by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, affectionately referred to as the “reflection of Benazir”, alongside President Asif Ali Zardari.