Benazir Bhutto Shaheed: A woman who transformed Pakistan,
A leader who Inspired Pakistan,
A True Hero of Pakistan.
Today, on December 27, 2024, is the 17th death anniversary of Pakistan’s first and only female prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. The nation has come to pay its homage to this great leader through a grand ceremony held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, her hometown in Sindh province where she was laid to rest.
Benazir Bhutto: a life of undaunted bravery, unremitting enthusiasm, and unyielding commitment to democracy. Born into the influential Bhutto family, on June 21, 1953, Benazir was born to greatness; her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was an attractive leader with a charisma of his own to serve as Pakistan’s prime minister from 1973 through 1977.
Tragedy struck, as her father was ousted and hanged by General Zia-ul-Haq-led military regime in 1979. That momentous act defined Benazir’s life and made her more than determined to fight for democracy and justice. She spent all her years in exile soliciting international support for her father’s cause and fighting for the cause of human rights.
She went back to Pakistan in 1986 and resumed her role as the head of the Pakistan Peoples Party, founded by her father. Millions of Pakistanis were inspired by her charisma, intelligence, and her commitment to democracy without an iota of doubt.
Benazir’s rise was incredible. In 1988, she became the first woman to lead a country having a Muslim majority, leading the government of Pakistan for a period of two separate periods: from 1988 until 1990, and then again from 1993 until 1996. She initiated several reforms and invested in the education and health sectors; she also improved the rights of women and attracted foreign investments.
Despite all the challenges she faced, including corruption allegations, opposition from Islamist groups, and a tumultuous relationship with the military establishment, Benazir remained resolute in her pursuit of democracy and progress.
Tragically, Benazir’s life was cut short on December 27, 2007, when she was assassinated during a campaign rally in Rawalpindi. Her death sent shockwaves across the world, and Pakistan lost a true leader who had dedicated her life to serving the nation.
As Pakistanis mark Benazir Bhutto’s 17th death anniversary, they pay tributes to the enduring legacy that transcends death. This includes courage, conviction, and commitment to democracy- factors that continue to inspire a future generation of Pakistanis.
The ceremony at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh will be marked with speech, poetry recitals, and tributes to Benazir’s life and legacy. Her family, including President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, will attend the gathering, which is expected to be attended by large crowds from every corner of the country.
