RIYADH — Pakistanis, led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), gathered Saturday to mark Benazir Bhutto's seventh death anniversary. Khalid Rana, the incumbent general secretary of PPP, conducted the event. Rana described Bhutto as a brave leader. “Braving all odds stacked on her way, she fought two dictators and played a significant role in the ouster of the two and restoration of democracy in the country,” he said. Fayyaz Ali Khan, president of PPP Riyadh region, presided over the event. The guests of honor were Abdul Karim Khan, Sardar Sher Afzal, Muhammad Riaz Rathore, and Zahoor Ul Hasan. Sardar Naseer said that PPP was the only political party that worked for the poor of this country. “Leaders like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto are born in centuries.” Prof Imam Bux said that Bhutto was a symbol of unity of the federation of Pakistan and her assassination was a great loss to Pakistan and its people. Rashid Butt also shared his sentiments. He expressed his remorse that her murderers were still at large and appealed to PM Nawaz Sharif to fulfill his pledge to bring them to justice. Poet Waqar Wamiq in his poetic renditions challenged the enemies of Pakistan who are out to harm Pakistan and its people. He also read out quatrains in eulogy of Bhutto. Waseem Sajid said that PPP was still the only popular party that binds the various units of the federation together. “It is wrong to say that PPP is a party of Sindh. The people occupying the stage today represent from all four provinces of Pakistan and it is enough testimony to say that PPP is the only party that truly represents people of Pakistan from Karachi to Khyber.” Rao Tahir said that Bhutto was not just a name of a person it was in fact the ideology that she stood for. “We need to promote her ideology of patriotism and service to the poor of this country,” Tahir said. Farman Saleem paid rich tributes to Bhutto, and said her mission shall now be carried forward by her son, Bilawal Bhutto. Sardar Razzak mentioned that her assassination was a part of an international conspiracy abetted by local agents. “We are her soldiers and we will carry on with her mission.” Asghar Chishty, Rana Khadim Hussain, and Javed Akhter Javed presented renditions in remembrance of Bhutto. Qazi Ishaq Memon said: “Bhutto's contribution in service of the poor of Pakistan and for the unity of the Islamic world remains nonpareil.” Zahoor Ul Hasan said that in December brought lots of sorrows. “On December 16 young school kids were brutally murdered in Peshawar by terrorists, on December 22 Bashir Bilour, a leader of ANP was assassinated, and on 27 Benazir was killed.” Muhammad Riaz Rathore said that December 27 was the saddest day of his life as on this day he lost his beloved leader. “The biggest mistake that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto made was that he formed the party for the poor. For this mistake he was sent to the gallows, his two sons were killed and finally his lovely daughter Benazir was assassinated.” Abdul Karim Khan said: “If you want to know about the killers of baba Bhutto then find it out in his books; if you want to learn about the murderers of Benazir then listen to her speeches.” Fayyaz Ali Khan thanked the guests for attending the event. — SG
