A dark December 27: Benazir’s 8th death anniversary observed

PPP leader Zulfiqar Afghani says conspiracies are being hatched against party

SWABI/ PESHAWAR/ PARACHINAR/ BANNU/ TIMERGARA/ JAMRUD: A series of events were organised across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal belt to commemorate the eighth death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on Sunday.

A gathering was held at a hall in Gulbahar in the city to pay glowing tributes to the slain Pakistan Peoples Party leader. The event was attended by a large number of PPP leaders from various districts of the province.

Going downhill

In his address, PPP Peshawar City Chapter President Zulfiqar Afghani said December 27 marks the day a conspiracy was hatched to weaken PPP. “Even today, there are countless conspiracies being hatched against the party,” he said. “However, it will always remain the party of the people.”

According to Afghani, “The present government has not given any relief to the public.” He said, “However, we have complete trust in our leader, Bilawal Bhutto.”

Sacrifice of blood

Ghazanfar Ali, general secretary of PPP’s district cabinet in Peshawar, said throughout PPP’s history, its leaders have sacrificed for the well-being of the country.

“We promise our slain leaders that we will uphold the philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” he said. “We have been deceived in the name of change.”

PPP Peshawar District President Tahmash Khan said PPP leaders will continue Benazir’s mission. “She was a brave woman,” he said. “Benazir was the leader of the people in the truest sense of the word and reached out to people despite threats to her own life.”

He added, “The present government have squandered funds set aside for the poor. We request the party’s provincial and central leadership to hold intra-party elections and reorganise the party within two months.”

Speaking on the occasion, PPP leader Syed Ayub Shah said General Ziaul Haq sent thousands of PPP stalwarts to jail to crush the party. “PPP leaders have rendered sacrifices to protect this party,” he said. “Even today, we need to render sacrifices to protect the party and uphold Benazir’s philosophy.”

Districts mark the day

In Swabi, PPP representatives held a Quran Khwani and special prayers. PPP Swabi President Javed Iqbal urged participants to follow Benazir’s philosophy for the prosperity of the country.

In Timergara, a similar event was organised at the residence of Peoples Youth Organisation (PYO) K-P General Secretary Advocate Alamzeb. Several conferences and events were arranged in Bannu.

Jamrud, Parachinar

In Parachinar, Kurram Agency, a Quran Khwani was held at PPP House and a special prayer was offered for Benazir. Speaking on the occasion, a large number of PPP leaders said Benazir made consistent efforts for peace in the country and her contributions will never be forgotten.

PPP MNA Sajid Turi said Benazir was “an international icon who worked for the betterment of Fata.”

Meanwhile in Jamrud, Khyber, PYO representatives held an event to pay tribute to Benazir’s efforts for the welfare of the tribespeople.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2015.