PPP cancels central gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh for Bhutto's martyrdom anniversary

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to cancel its central gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on April 4, which was planned to mark the martyrdom anniversary of party founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, citing the prevailing regional situation.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the grandson of the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, has issued directives regarding the cancellation of the event, according to the party's leadership.

District-level observances to replace central event

PPP Secretary General Humayun Khan stated that instead of holding the central gathering at the ancestral resting place of the Bhutto family, the martyrdom anniversary of the party's founder would be observed at the district level across the country.

In line with this decision, all district organisations — including elected representatives and ticket holders — have been directed to organise Quran Khawanis in their respective districts on April 4 to pay tribute to the late Bhutto.

Regional situation cited as reason

According to the secretary general, the decision to forgo the central gathering has been taken in the broader context of the current regional situation. He emphasised that the party remains committed to honouring the legacy of its founder despite the change in plans.

The annual gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Larkana district has traditionally been one of the most significant political events on the PPP's calendar, drawing large crowds of party supporters and leaders from across the country to the mausoleum of the Bhutto family. The cancellation of this year's central event marks a notable shift, with the party opting for decentralised observances instead.

The directive from the PPP chairman underscores the party's assessment that the current regional dynamics necessitate a more restrained approach to commemorating one of its most important dates. Party workers and leaders at the district level are now expected to carry out the instructions and ensure that the anniversary is observed in a dignified manner through Quran Khawanis across the country.