Fourth anniversary: President pledges not to let sacrifices of October 18 victims go in vain
“On this day four years ago nearly two hundred fans of democracy and believers in moderation embraced martyrdom when the convoy welcoming the return to the country of the icon of democracy and reconciliation Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan after years of exile was attacked by extremists, militants and enemies of democracy,” he said.
Presenting a tribute to those who gave their lives on that fated evening, the President said “on this day, while we salute all those who laid down their lives in the cause of democracy and against militancy and their bereaved family members, we also reiterate our pledge to continue the fight against the militant mindset that has challenged our way of life and value system,” Zardari said in a message.
The President said that the cowardly attacks of October 18 itself and indeed events not only preceding and following it have demonstrated that the battle against militancy is the battle for the survival of a democratic, progressive, moderate and modern Pakistan where the fate of the people will be decided though the ballot rather than the bullet.
“The battle lines have been clearly drawn and we will not rest till the militant mindset has been finally defeated,” he said.
President Zardari said that on this day four years ago Benazir Bhutto had triumphantly returned to the country to what she herself had said, “to bring change to my country by empowering its people and building political institutions”.
Following in her footsteps, Zardari said, the PPP wishes to reiterate its pledge “to bring change, empower the downtrodden and rebuild the institutions,” he added.
The President also paid tributes to the armed forces, the civil law enforcing agencies and the people who have made untold sacrifices in the fight against militancy and reiterated that the government will root out militancy and extremism no matter what the price.
The PPP Co chairman said that the Party had taken measures to rehabilitate the families of those who had laid down their lives to protect Benazir Bhutto as it had a duty towards the heroes of democracy and also to do much more.
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There is no doubt that Pakistan must continue its fight against terrorism. It is of utmost importance that we defeat negative mindset like Qadri who doesn't understand the real Islam.
Mr. President it is also vital to arrest Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's murderers. This grave matter must not be swept under the carpet.
Mr. president do you wish to fulfill your pledge to bring "change" after winning the next election?
A very sad day for Pakistan, and for the families whose loved ones lost their lives on this tragic day.
Implement Secularism and reject Wahhabism - can you do it?
How are you going to continue the fight against militants and negotiate with them at the same time? How will the militant mindset be defeated? They are the ones raising slogans, holding rallies and beating school girls.