18 Years On, Benazir Bhutto’s Vision Still Guides Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders, workers and supporters across the country on Saturday marked the 18th death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, paying rich tributes to the slain former prime minister whose legacy continues to shape Pakistan’s democratic discourse.

The central commemorative gathering is being held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the ancestral town and final resting place of the Bhutto family, where thousands of party workers have gathered to honour the former premier through prayers, floral tributes and reflections on her life and sacrifice.

President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, along with senior party leaders from the centre and provinces, are expected to address the gathering.

Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, in a gun-and-suicide attack during an election rally at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, a tragedy that shocked the nation and the world.

To mark the anniversary, the Sindh government declared December 27 a public holiday, with all provincial offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils remaining closed, according to a notification issued by the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department.

Leaders Renew Pledge to Democratic Vision

In separate messages, President Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward Benazir Bhutto’s vision of a democratic, inclusive, tolerant, pluralist and forward-looking Pakistan.

Today, the world in general and Pakistanis in particular remember Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. We honour a leader whose life and sacrifice are inseparable from Pakistan’s democratic journey,” President Zardari said.

He recalled that Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister of the Islamic world, elected twice by the people of Pakistan, and said that in a political landscape shaped by exclusion, patriarchy, prolonged authoritarian rule and repeated disruptions of democracy, she stood firm for the supremacy of the Constitution, the authority of Parliament and the people’s right to choose their representatives.

Her repeated returns to electoral politics, he said, reflected an unshakeable belief in peaceful political struggle and genuine democracy.

She gave voice to the voiceless,” President Zardari said, adding that farmers, workers and low-income families remained at the centre of her politics. Through people-focused initiatives, she sought to expand access to livelihoods, education, public services and upward social mobility, particularly for the youth.

He said Benazir Bhutto believed deeply in an inclusive Pakistan, rejected sectarianism and intolerance, and consistently advocated protection of minority rights.

She also recognised the importance of engaging with the modern world, supporting economic openness, investment and modern communications during the 1990s — steps that laid the foundation for greater connectivity and participation in later years.

Her courage against extremism, the president noted, remains one of her most enduring legacies.

“She stood against violence and intolerance and paid the ultimate price for her convictions. Her martyrdom reminds us that the fight against terrorism is not only about security, but also about ideas, education and respect for diversity.”

Calling on the nation to reflect on her message, President Zardari urged unity over division.

She never believed in vindictiveness. She taught us that democracy is the best revenge,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen democratic institutions and heal political rifts.

Democracy Will Never Surrender

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a glowing tribute to his mother, describing her life as “a rare fusion of courage and compassion.”

December 27 is a day of collective mourning, reflection and renewed commitment,” he said. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not just a leader; she was the fearless voice of democracy, the hope of the oppressed and an unyielding symbol of resistance against dictatorship, extremism and intolerance.”

Bilawal said her supreme sacrifice was a pledge written in blood that democracy in Pakistan would never surrender.

Highlighting her national and global stature, he said her vision of a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Pakistan continues to inspire generations, especially women and youth.

Despite immense challenges during her tenures, he noted, she pursued people-centred policies, strengthened Pakistan’s defence, safeguarded national sovereignty and restored the country’s progressive image internationally.

Recalling her personal sacrifices — including the loss of her father and brothers and years of persecution — Bilawal said Benazir Bhutto remained steadfast until her martyrdom.

Reaffirming the PPP’s commitment to her mission, he said the party would continue to fight for social and economic justice, constitutional supremacy, women’s empowerment and minority rights.

Massive Gathering and Tight Security

All arrangements were in place at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the anniversary, with a large crowd gathering from across the country, according to 24NewsHD.

President Zardari and Bilawal arrived in Naudero on Saturday morning, where Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed them. They are scheduled to address the main public gathering.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Sindh Home Minister Zai Lanjar, and other leaders also reached Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Around 10,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure strict security.

A day earlier, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where she laid floral wreaths and offered prayers at the graves of Benazir Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Mir Shahnawaz Bhutto, praying for national prosperity and security.

Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in his message on the martyrdom anniversary, paid rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto, calling her “the name of an era that will forever live on.”

He said her national and political services would always be remembered and described her as a symbol of hope, perseverance and unwavering commitment to democratic principles.

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto firmly believed in the power of the people,” he said, adding that she sacrificed her life for a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan.

Naqvi said her vision continues to guide democratic forces in the country and that she regarded workers, farmers and marginalised communities as the true foundation of national development.

He said President Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are carrying forward her legacy, adding that her ideology “is alive today and will remain alive tomorrow.”

An Enduring Legacy

Benazir Bhutto served as Pakistan’s first female prime minister from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, becoming the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country through democratic elections.

Eighteen years after her assassination, her life, struggle and vision continue to inspire efforts toward a more democratic, just and progressive Pakistan. Input from local media outlets.