Benazir’s 6th death anniversary: All roads lead to Garhi Khuda Bux today

Strict security measures in place as jiyalas and party leaders arrive to pay respects.

SUKKUR:

Arrangements have been finalised to commemorate the sixth death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux where ‘jiyalas’ from different parts of the country have started converging to pay homage to the martyred leader. 

Strict security measures have been adopted in and around Garhi Khuda Bux and Naudero where more than 6,000 police officials, 200 police commandos, 350 Rangers personnel, 600 traffic police personnel and 300 lady police constables have been deployed to avert any untoward incident. Besides this, a 100-foot-long and 60-foot-wide stage has been prepared in the premises of the mausoleum.



As part of the preparations, three free medical camps have been established where people may also donate blood. There will be ample supply of food and water for the visitors. The programmes to commemorate the death anniversary will start tomorrow with Quran Khawani at the Mazar, followed by distribution of free food. The main function will start at about 2pm with Mehfil-e-Mushaira, which will feature renowned poets from across the country.

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, chairperson, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other party leaders will address the public gathering. These activities will conclude with a minute of silence at 5:20pm, which was the time at which Benazir was assassinated in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi.

All the gates of the mausoleum, except two or three, have been sealed by placing containers to block their entry. Transporters complained to reporters that the police had forcibly snatched more than 20 containers five days ago. They lamented that they were paid Rs1,000 to Rs1,500 as a daily allowance for their journey. The police, however was not even providing them with food, they claimed.

Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and daughter, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, reached Naudero House on Thursday. MNA Faryal Talpur is already staying at Naudero House, while other PPP leaders are expected to arrive there tonight or tomorrow morning.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2013.