Memorial ceremonies: PPP workers mark Benazir’s 9th death anniversary

LAHORE: Workers of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) organised memorial ceremonies in different areas of the provincial capital on Tuesday on the ninth death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

A huge memorial ceremony was held at the PPP provincial secretariat in Model Town, which was attended by central leader Naveed Chaudhry, Tariq Khursheed, Rana Ashar Nisar, Azizur Rehman Chan, Zahid Zulfiqar, Mian Ayyub, Doctor Zarar Yousaf, Saleem Mughal and many party workers. A Quran Khawani was held for the slain Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in a bomb and gun attack in the Liaquat Bagh of Rawalpindi.

Addressing the memorial ceremony, Naveed Chaudhry said PPP workers would always remember the sacrifices of their leaders. Benazir, he added, sacrificed her life for a peaceful and democratic Pakistan. “She was an advocate of peace and will remain alive in the hearts of PPP workers and the people of Pakistan,” he added.  Allama Yousaf Awan led the prayers for the departed soul.

On December 27, 2007, Benazir was leaving Liaquat Bagh after addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi. The former prime minister had recently returned to Pakistan after years in exile. An assailant armed with a gun first fired bullets at Benazir and finally a bomb exploded at the scene. The resulting injuries ultimately proved fatal and she died at hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2016.