BERLIN, Dec 28 – The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Berlin chapter held a commemorative ceremony to observe the 18th martyrdom anniversary of former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, paying glowing tributes to her as a visionary, courageous, and history-making leader who dedicated her life to democracy, equality, and the welfare of Pakistan’s marginalized communities.
PPP Berlin President Manzoor Awan led the event, describing Shaheed Benazir Bhutto as a “thoughtful, brave, and history-making leader” who acted as the unifying voice for all four provinces of Pakistan, as well as Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He termed her 2007 assassination “a bloodbath on the dream of a prosperous, progressive, and democratic Pakistan,” stating that the anniversary serves as a powerful message to the enemies of an equality-based democratic Pakistan.
Special guest Sheraz Butt, a senior Belgian political leader, highlighted Bhutto’s steadfast defense of the constitution, parliament, and the people’s right to vote. “The poor, farmers, and workers were always at the center of her politics,” Butt said, praising her promotion of tolerance in the democratic and political process as a commendable and enduring legacy whose services to the nation will forever be remembered.
PPP Berlin Vice President Abid Hussain Baloch called Bhutto a “courageous, fearless, and resolute political leader” prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country, nation, and democracy. “She became immortal by giving her life,” he declared, affirming that Shaheed Bhutto’s ideology and philosophy represent the sole path to a brighter Pakistan. “Whether the sky falls or the earth cracks, we will not back down even an inch from our struggle.”
Zahoor Ahmed, former PPP Information Secretary and Chairman of the German Pakistan Press Club, reflected on Bhutto’s unfulfilled dream of transforming Pakistan into a prosperous, peaceful, stable, and invincible state, akin to the vision of her late father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He underscored her uncompromising stance on national defense, crediting her with advancing the nuclear program and gifting Pakistan missile technology.
Senior leader Mujahid Hussain renewed his pledge to follow Bhutto’s philosophy in upholding Pakistan’s constitution, democracy, and human freedoms. He described the Bhutto legacy as a “living force” that, despite physical removal from the public eye, remains indelibly committed to serving the poor and marginalized.
Looking to the party’s future, senior leader Malik Ismail Qaiser positioned current PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the natural heir to this legacy. “Bilawal Zardari Bhutto is the true trustee of Bhutto’s legacy,” Qaiser said, suggesting the Chairman is “breathing new life” into the party and may potentially “surpass his predecessors.
Youth Wing members Ali Jafri, Sardar Muhammad Jahangir, and Ziauddin also participated in the ceremony. The gathering concluded with special condolence prayers offered in remembrance of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, reaffirming the attendees’ resolve to carry forward her mission of democratic progress and social justice.
