LAHORE: A ceremony was held at the People’s Secretariat in Model Town, Lahore, under the auspices of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to mark the 15th death anniversary of the ‘Mother of Democracy,’ Begum Nusrat Bhutto.
During the event, speakers paid tribute to her struggle for democracy, her sacrifices, and her dedicated service to the party. The ceremony was presided over by Begum Nasira Shaukat, with Chaudhry Aslam Gill serving as the chief guest. Usman Saleem Malik moderated the proceedings.
Addressing the gathering, Chaudhry Aslam Gill remarked that the hardships, traumas, violence, and imprisonments endured by Begum Nusrat Bhutto are truly unparalleled. Despite facing immense adversity, she remained steadfast in her struggle for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
The history of the atrocities inflicted upon the Bhutto family is unmatched by the experience of any other political family. He also paid tribute to the party workers who kept the party’s banner held high, even during the most difficult times.
Chaudhry Aslam Gill noted that while social media has transformed the methods of democratic struggle, the PPP will endure not merely through displays of strength, but through its commitment to working for the people.
He added that the eras of dictators like Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf have become cautionary tales in history. Furthermore, he highlighted that Pakistan remains secure today thanks to the nuclear and missile programs initiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the martyred Benazir Bhutto.
Begum Nasira Shaukat, who presided over the event, stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party was a party of the poor, rooted in a vision that was both broad and noble. Begum Nusrat Bhutto walked hand-in-hand with her husband, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, throughout his political struggle, while also setting an exemplary standard as a mother.
Dr. Ayesha Shaukat, General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Lahore, remarked that the PPP is essentially woven into the very DNA of those attending the event. Until her final breath, Begum Nusrat Bhutto stood as an unshakeable bulwark alongside the martyred Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
She sacrificed three of her children for the sake of national unity and the struggle for democracy, all the while continuing the fight shoulder-to-shoulder with party workers.
In his address, Faisal Mir noted that Begum Nusrat Bhutto endured unbearable tragedies—including the martyrdom of her sons—yet she never wavered. Following the martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the ‘Mother of Democracy’ kept the party united.
He paid tribute to the struggle of the Bhutto family and Begum Nusrat Bhutto herself. Asif Hashmi stated that Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s role in fostering democracy in Pakistan was of fundamental importance; she sacrificed two of her sons for the democratic cause and established the Women’s Wing of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Faiza Malik remarked that Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s democratic struggle serves as a guiding light for the party’s loyalists. Despite police brutality, arrests, and the hardships of imprisonment, the Pakistan Peoples Party—as a result of this struggle succeeded in maintaining its existence. Shahida Jabeen remarked that the ‘Mother of Democracy’ (Madar-e-Jamhooriat) remained steadfast in the arena of democracy, even while enduring immense trauma and bearing the burden of burying her own loved ones.
Arif Khan demanded that the Supreme Court initiate proceedings against the judges responsible for the judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Khawaja Akbar paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing him in his verses as the ‘Leader of the People’ (Quaid-e-Awam) and the pride of the nation. Other speakers, including Dr. Khalid Javed Jan, Dr. Farid Zafar, and Umar Sharif Bukhari also addresses.
Reported By: Staff Reporter I Lahore
