PPP holds Bhutto death anniversary events in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Peoples Party workers and supporters gathered in large numbers at Jinnah Park on Saturday to observe the death anniversary of former prime minister and party founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, reaffirming their commitment to his mission and to the ideals of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The gathering took place at Jinnah Park, the site of the former Rawalpindi Central Jail where Bhutto was hanged on April 4, 1979. Participants paid tribute to both Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto.

Those present included Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi chapter General Secretary Malik Khalid Nawaz Bobby, Women Wing Punjab President Samina Khalid Gharki, Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi City President Mian Khurram Rasool, General Secretary Malik Asif Akbar, Central Executive Committee member Malik Amir Fida Paracha, High Court Bar Rawalpindi President Saeed Yousuf Advocate and other party leaders.

Supporters reached the venue in small groups carrying party flags and raising slogans. Police and other law enforcement personnel were deployed at the site and the area around the park had been cordoned off. A walk-through scanner was also installed. People, however, faced difficulties in reaching the venue because of construction linked to the Kutchery Chowk remodelling project.

The local PPP chapter also shifted the timing of the annual programme this year from evening to morning. Proceedings began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by Naat Khwani and sloganeering. Participants later laid wreaths and showered rose petals at the site of the gallows.

Addressing workers, party leaders said they would continue the mission of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto and work to change the system. They also spoke about the Bhutto family’s role in the revival of democracy and social justice.

He also termed the death of the party’s founding chairman a political assassination. Other speakers said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was the hope of people facing poverty and other difficulties under the “selected government”.

The PPP Workers group did not organise an event at the same venue this time.

Seminar at Rawalpindi Arts Council

Separately, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed a seminar at the Rawalpindi Arts Council organised by PPP Rawalpindi President Mian Khurram Rasool. Speaking as chief guest at the event held on the occasion of Bhutto’s 47th death anniversary, Gilani paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and described him as a symbol of ideology, democracy and public consciousness.

Gilani said April 4 remained a significant and painful day in the country’s history and reminded the nation of sacrifices made for democracy and the rights of the people. He said the 1973 Constitution was a historic achievement of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and provided a strong basis for Pakistan’s democratic structure.

He further said the creation of the Senate reflected Bhutto’s federal vision by ensuring equal representation of provinces and addressing feelings of deprivation among federating units. Gilani added that the 18th Constitutional Amendment had strengthened democracy by giving more powers to the provinces.

According to Gilani, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised Pakistan’s standing in the world, gave the nation its identity and ensured the people’s right to vote. He said Bhutto’s leadership made the people a true source of power and protected fundamental rights.

Gilani said the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for democracy were unforgettable and that the party leadership continued to work for democracy, social justice and public welfare. He added that Pakistan’s progress depended on empowering its people and said Bhutto’s ideology remained alive and would continue to inspire future generations.

The seminar was also addressed by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin, former Bait-ul-Mal managing director Amir Fida Paracha and Adviser to the Chairman Senate Mian Khurram Rasool, along with other party leaders, who paid tribute to the political, social and public services of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.