The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) today marks the 17th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto with nationwide tributes.
The central event will be held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the final resting place of the Bhutto family in Larkana, Sindh. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior leaders of the party will address the meeting.
Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Benazir’s youngest daughter and current first lady of Pakistan, will also attend, along with Faryal Talpur, a member of the provincial assembly and sister of Asif Ali Zardari. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah arrived at the President House in Naudero a day earlier to join the event.
A 60-foot-wide stage, adorned with PPP flags and portraits of Benazir Bhutto and other party leaders, has been prepared for the occasion. Renowned poets will recite verses in his honor. Security is tight and Larkana police installed CCTV cameras in the area. More than 8,500 officers, including Special Security Units (SSU), women personnel, traffic personnel and commandos, have been deployed to ensure security during the event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her 17th death anniversary. In a message published on X, he described her as a “defender of democracy” and an “icon of resilience,” highlighting her defense of dialogue and political reconciliation.
He highlighted his role in the creation of the Charter of Democracy, signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, as a symbol of his lasting impact. Sharif expressed respect for Benazir’s family, particularly Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who continue her political vision.
Benazir Bhutto remains an enduring figure in Pakistan’s political history. Born on June 21, 1953 into the prominent Bhutto family, she was a staunch supporter of her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, during his imprisonment and execution in 1979.
She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as prime minister of Pakistan, a position she held from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. Her tenure focused on democracy, women’s rights, and economic reforms. Benazir Bhutto was tragically assassinated in 2007 while campaigning for a third term as prime minister.
Despite his untimely death, his legacy remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in Pakistan.
