Commemorative events marking the 18th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, popularly known as the “Daughter of the East”, are being held today (Saturday) at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, the site where she was assassinated in 2007.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers and supporters have started gathering at Liaquat Bagh from various parts of the country to pay homage. Quran Khawani was held at the venue, while candles were lit last evening in her memory. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, shortly after addressing a public rally at the historic ground.
Meanwhile, large numbers of PPP supporters are also arriving at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Larkana, where Benazir Bhutto is laid to rest. Reception camps have been established at different locations to facilitate visitors.
First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited the Bhutto family graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Saturday.
She laid wreaths and offered fateha at the graves of her mother Benazir Bhutto, her maternal grandfather and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto. She also paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her 18th death anniversary.
Benazir Bhutto’s political life was marked by extraordinary trials. She endured the execution of her father, the killing of her brothers, prolonged military rule and years of exile, yet remained steadfast in her struggle for democracy. She made history as the first woman prime minister of the Muslim world, serving twice as Pakistan’s premier.
Educated in Karachi, Harvard University and the University of Oxford, Benazir Bhutto emerged as a resilient political leader who returned from exile in 2007 despite grave security threats. She was assassinated after addressing an election rally and was buried at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh beside her father and brothers.
