President pays rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto on 73rd birth anniversary

• President Zardari calls her a symbol of courage, democracy and political vision

• Highlights pioneering role as first woman PM of Pakistan, Muslim world

• Says she championed education, youth opportunities and public welfare, crediting her for expanding women’s participation in national life

• Recalls resilience through imprisonment, exile and political challenges, describing her legacy as enduring inspiration for democratic Pakistan

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto inspired those who believe in democracy and championed key causes including education for children, opportunities for youth, reliable public services, and greater participation of women in national life.

In a message on the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (21 June 2026), he said, “Today, on the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the nation remembers a leader whose courage, political vision and commitment to democracy left a lasting mark on Pakistan’s history.”

“As the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto broke barriers and opened new possibilities for women in public life. At a time of considerable political uncertainty, she stood firmly for democratic governance, constitutional rule and the right of the people to determine their future through the ballot box. Her public life reflected resilience in the face of adversity and a steadfast belief in the strength of democratic institutions,” he added.

He said, “She showed that leadership is never one-dimensional. She fulfilled many roles in life—as a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend, a patriot, and a citizen of the world committed to peace. She approached each responsibility with courage, conviction and a deep sense of duty.”

“She remained closely engaged with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Whether speaking about employment, education, health services or the welfare of vulnerable communities, she believed that public office carried the responsibility to improve people’s lives. Her politics was rooted in the conviction that progress must reach those who had long remained on the margins of development,” he continued.

The President said, “Her understanding of Pakistan was shaped not by distance but by constant engagement with its people. She listened to citizens, party workers, journalists and members of civil society. She worked through direct contact and sustained engagement, remaining closely attuned to public sentiment and the aspirations of ordinary Pakistanis.”

“Throughout her political life, she remained committed to peaceful political expression and democratic means of dissent. She firmly rejected violence as a tool of politics and consistently upheld dialogue, constitutional processes and democratic participation as the only legitimate path forward,” he added.

He said, “For many Pakistani families, the issues she championed continue to shape daily life. Access to education for children, opportunities for young people entering the workforce, reliable public services and greater participation of women in national life remain central to the country’s future. Her vision sought to ensure that these concerns received attention at the highest levels of government.”

“Beyond her political achievements, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto demonstrated remarkable determination and personal strength. She faced imprisonment, exile and persistent threats, yet remained committed to serving the people of Pakistan. Her decision to return home and continue her political struggle reflected her deep sense of duty to the country and her confidence in the democratic aspirations of its people,” he added.

The President said, “As we remember Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her birth anniversary, we pay tribute to her sacrifice, her service and her enduring place in the nation’s memory. Her life continues to inspire those who believe in democracy, public service and the promise of a better future for Pakistan.”

“She was born on the day when the sun shines longest across our hemisphere. In many ways, her life reflected that symbolism. She faced adversity, challenged injustice and carried hope through some of Pakistan’s most difficult moments. She was destined to stand against darkness and keep the light burning. She was Benazir in every sense of the word,” he concluded.