By Imtiaz Hussain
LARKANA: On the 18th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid homage to the country’s first female Prime Minister, urging political parties to abandon extremism and seek reconciliation.
Addressing a large public gathering, Bilawal described Benazir Bhutto as a visionary leader whose legacy strengthened Pakistan’s international stature and defended its sovereignty. He credited the sacrifices of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and the leadership of his grandfather, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Benazir Bhutto for Pakistan’s nuclear capability and missile technology, citing recent military successes as a testament to that legacy.
Bilawal also highlighted achievements under PPP governments, including the Benazir Income Support Program, the construction of two million flood‑affected homes in Sindh with women’s ownership rights, and free medical facilities across the province. He praised initiatives to support farmers through Benazir Hari Cards and called for political stability to address the country’s economic challenges, inflation, and institutional capacity issues.
He reiterated that PPP remains committed to federalism, advocating for provincial rights and decentralization of services such as HESCO, LESCO, and PEPCO. Bilawal stressed that President Asif Ali Zardari, whom he termed the “King of Reconciliation,” is central to resolving the political divide and ensuring the country can confront its economic and external challenges effectively.
The public meeting was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and senior PPP leaders, reflecting the party’s continued dedication to the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
