Islamabad: Today is the birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. During her eventful life spread over 54 years, this distinguished woman of the Muslim world and the most popular leader of the country left indelible imprint on the history and politics at the global level, thanks to her intelligence and extraordinary courage. Her achievements during a short span of life remain unrivalled and worthy of emulation. Taking the mantle of leadership from her illustrious father Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the first elected prime minister of Pakistan, she led a relentless struggle for the restoration of democracy, people’s rights and representative rule in an age marked by rigours of dictatorship, forced exile and political turmoil. It was as a result of voted Pakistan People’s Party into power and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was elected as the first woman prime minister of not only Pakistan but also in the entire Islamic world.
Putting her political wisdom and statesmanship to use, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto worked out a wholesome and comprehensive strategy for national development and achieved appreciable results. She could not finish the reform agenda as her government was sent packing unfortunately. At this point, the Shaheed leader did not give in to the circumstances and kept on struggling for democracy. She demonstrated courage and steel-like determination to keep the flag of people’s rights afloat. People again elected her as their leader.
An objective assessment of her two tenures in government highlights the fact that she continued to make strenuous efforts for strengthening of democracy and state institutions, change in political culture, and enlightened and prosperous Pakistan. She left her personal and party interests aside and signed “Charter for Democracy” for greater national good, which is considered to be a unique political document and a milestone for establishment of democracy and restoration of people’s rights.
Espousing the idea of reconciliation, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto introduced a new political culture and thinking in national politics. Our government is wedded to this concept of our Shaheed leader with utmost commitment, perseverance and dedication. We believe that the best way to pay tribute to our revered leader is that we make her ideals, teachings and particularly her concept of reconciliation as our guiding principle and beacon of light and stay put in our efforts for continuation of democracy, people’s welfare and national sovereignty.
On this auspicious occasion of birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, modern, progressive, moderate Islamic state in line with the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Let us pledge to keep our struggle on against the forces of terrorism and extremism who took away from us our revered leader on December 27, 2007.
I pray to Allah Almighty to rest her departed soul in eternal peace, give her high station in Janna and give us courage and guidance to serve the country in accordance with the vision and ideals of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. (Amen)
Pakistan Paindabad!
Let us dedicate ourselves to the service and glory of our homeland.
Pakistan Paindabad
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Haji Ahmed Malik
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