In remembrance: Workers fail to unite on Bhutto’s 36th death anniversary

Protest and scuffle mar solemn gatherings in districts of Peshawar and Mardan.

CHITRAL/ PESHAWAR/ PARACHINAR/ BANNU/ MARDAN/ DI KHAN:

The 36th death anniversary of former prime minister and founding chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was observed across the province and in the tribal areas on Saturday. However, ceremonies in Peshawar and Mardan were marred by protests and scuffles between party workers.

Opposition to alliance

The Peshawar chapter of PPP organised a function at press club to commemorate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s anniversary, but the programme turned into a melee when dozens of party activists stood up and berated district president Zulfiqar Afghani for not opposing the party’s alliance with Awami National Party. PPP is part of a tripartite alliance with JUI-F and ANP to contest local government polls.

According to the workers, Afghani had earlier promised them that he would oppose PPP’s alliance with ANP, but did not make the announcement at the function. Amid jeering and catcalls, some of the protesters climbed the stage, interrupting Afghani’s speech and bringing the programme to a halt. Later, angry workers led by Zulfiqar Awan staged a walkout from the venue and protested on GT Road.

They chanted slogans against the alliance, refusing to accept it. After recording their protest, the workers dispersed but did not return to the function.

Criticising the protesting workers, Afghani told the gathering that it had been agreed in an earlier meeting at senior leader Syed Zahir Ali Shah’s residence that no other issues would be discussed at Bhutto’s death anniversary. He lamented that the agitated workers marred a solemn occasion for the party.

Mardan

A similar gathering was organised at Mardan Press Club, but a scuffle broke out between PPP Mardan President Sajjad Tander and General Secretary Aurangzeb Khan.

Aurangzeb was about to address the gathering when district president Tander interrupted him saying he could not speak to party workers as he had not replied to a show-cause notice issued to him by the party. Infuriated with Tander’s remarks, Aurangzeb reportedly used abusive language against him and his angered supporters thrashed the district president on the stage. A brawl ensued among supporters of both leaders. Police and other activists intervened and managed to end the scuffle.

Chitral

PPP workers from Chitral also commemorated the founding chairman’s death anniversary. At a ceremony organised for the occasion, chief guest Salim Khan, PPP MPA from the district, said Pakistan obtained democratic independence due to the numerous sacrifices rendered by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Salim said Bhutto strengthened the underprivileged classes to speak for their rights and made Pakistan an atomic power.

Bannu

Two factions of PPP observed Bhutto’s anniversary in the district in separate ceremonies. Former PPP provincial minister from the district Sher Azam Wazir participated in both gatherings. The first event was held in Ismail Khani while the second was held in PPP’s district secretariat in Kot Beli. While addressing the gatherings, Wazir urged both factions to end their differences and unite for the sake of the party.

FATA

The South Waziristan chapter of PPP organised a gathering of local leaders and party activists in Azam Warsak Bazaar in Birmal, Wana to honour the late leader. Meanwhile, leaders and workers of PPP in Kurram Agency also observed Bhutto’s anniversary at Peoples House, Parachinar. Workers from across the agency participated on the occasion, while the speakers lauded PPP for its development policies in the tribal area.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2015.