PPP yet to build Benazir Bhutto's memorial

Senior PPP leaders have announced erecting memorial at cost of Rs50m

RAWALPINDI:

The central leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) seems 'failed' to fulfil its promise of building a national memorial at the martyrdom site of their leader Benazir Bhutto, despite repeated announcements over the past 17 years.

The ex-Prime Minister and incumbent Chairman of the Senate, Yousaf Raza Gilani had announced plans to visit the martyrdom site of Benazir Bhutto and build a memorial after taking the oath of office as the prime minister in 2008, but 'failed' to fulfil this promise.

Former Interior Minister Rehman Malik announced a significant fund of Rs50 million to build a memorial at allocated 1.5 kanals of land. The memorial's design included a three-storey building, which would house a modern large library, an auditorium, a waiting room, and a meeting hall. The library, in particular, was intended to be a memorial hall containing complete and memorable photos of the Bhutto family.

The library was also supposed to have an extensive collection of books on history and politics, including the books of the Bhutto family. Additionally, the records of historical speeches delivered by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nusrat Bhutto, and Benazir Bhutto were to be preserved. The plan also included a modern computer lab and a collection of newspapers.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also made announcements regarding this project. However, it is ironic that despite these plans and announcements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal have never visited the martyrdom site.

This lack of attention and follow-through has resulted in the site falling into disrepair.

The area surrounding the martyrdom site has become a haven for drug dealers, who take over the space after sunset.

The jiyalay don't even come here for cleaning. However, with the anniversary approaching, PPP jiyalay and leaders have begun to visit the site to offer prayers.