By Sajjad Shah
KARACHI: First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Asifa Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) commitment to continue the struggle “on the path of the martyrs of democracy” until every citizen of Pakistan was “free and equal.” Her message marked the 18th anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy — the devastating twin bombings that targeted Benazir Bhutto’s homecoming procession in Karachi on October 18, 2007.
In her statement, Asifa described the Karsaz site on Shahrah-e-Faisal as a “witness to the blood-stained struggle for democracy,” recalling the day when “cowardly enemies ambushed democracy with an attack” but failed to halt its march. She paid heartfelt tribute to the PPP workers who stood at the front lines of that procession, saying that when the first line fell, “the second moved forward,” and more than 180 loyal activists ultimately laid down their lives.
“The sacrifices of the Karsaz martyrs were not in vain,” Asifa said. “They sowed the seeds of courage in this democratic struggle. The blood of the martyrs has not darkened our path but illuminated it.” Her words, rich in symbolism, echoed the PPP’s enduring narrative of sacrifice and resilience — themes that have shaped the party’s identity since its founding.
Her message came as part of a wider commemoration within the PPP, as President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah issued similar tributes. The coordinated remembrance reflected a united front within the party, honouring one of its most defining and tragic moments, while renewing its pledge to uphold the democratic vision that Benazir Bhutto championed and for which so many gave their lives.
