PPP pays tribute to ZAB on 47th death anniversary

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Women Wing of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) organized a dignified and well-attended ceremony on Saturday to observe the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, with participants paying rich tributes to his notable contributions to democracy, public empowerment, and national sovereignty.

A large number of women from across the province gathered at the event, reflecting their deep emotional and ideological attachment to the legacy of the slain leader.

Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Rubina Khalid, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In her address, she described April 4 as one of the darkest days in Pakistan's history, saying the nation lost a visionary and courageous leader whose absence continues to be deeply felt even after decades.

"Leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto are born once in centuries," Rubina Khalid said, adding that his political philosophy remains a guiding light for generations. She highlighted Bhutto's pivotal role in laying the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear programme, which strengthened the country's defence and ensured its independence.

She also acknowledged the contributions of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who advanced Pakistan's missile technology during her tenure.

Rubina Khalid further stated that successive PPP governments had delivered record development projects and empowered ordinary citizens by introducing key systems such as national identity cards and machine-readable passports. She asserted that Pakistan's future lies in the ideology of "Bhuttoism," which is firmly rooted in democracy, equality, and public welfare.

Criticizing the current provincial government in K-P, she said an "imposed administration" had caused serious setbacks for the province. However, she reiterated that the people of the province have always stood firmly with Pakistan since its creation alongside Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and continue to extend unwavering support to the armed forces.

She warned that certain elements are trying to inject anti-state narratives among the youth, but made it clear that the PPP would never support any forces working against Pakistan. "We are Pakistanis first, before any ethnic identity," she stressed.

Concluding her speech, Rubina Khalid paid homage to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's supreme sacrifice, saying he never compromised on his principles even at the cost of his life.