LARKANA: President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need for political unity and democratic cooperation as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) observed the 18th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Furthermore, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack after addressing a public rally near Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.
The Sindh government declared a public holiday and implemented extensive security arrangements in Larkana, where the main ceremony was held at Bhutto’s mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.
More than 8,500 police personnel, along with Rangers and other security agencies, were deployed to ensure safety. President Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and senior party leaders paid tribute at the mausoleum.
Meanwhile, President Zardari urged political forces to choose unity over division. He said Benazir Bhutto believed firmly in reconciliation and democratic values, often reminding the nation that “democracy is the best revenge.”
He confirmed his commitment to her vision of a democratic, inclusive, tolerant, and forward-looking Pakistan. The president said she stood firmly for constitutional supremacy, parliamentary authority, and the people’s right to choose their representatives.
He mentioned her focus on social justice, education, livelihoods, and the protection of minorities, noting her strong opposition to extremism, sectarianism, and intolerance.
So far, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute, saying Benazir’s political legacy was defined by courage, patriotism, and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles. In this regard, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said his mother’s sacrifice ensured that democracy in Pakistan would never surrender.
He described her as a fearless voice for the oppressed and pledged that the PPP would continue to work for social and economic justice, women’s empowerment, constitutional supremacy, and minority rights.
