30th death anniversary of Z.A Bhutto being observed

ISLAMABAD :The 30th death anniversary of former prime minister and founder PPP chairman Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was being observed across the country on Saturday.

Main ceremony of the death anniversary was held midnight at Garhi Khuda Bux, the final rest place of Quid-e-Awam, who preferred to sacrifice his life for cause of democracy instead of bowing down before the dictator.

Hundreds of thousands Bhutto lovers including senior party leaders have reached Larkana, Naudero and Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto to attend the anniversary.

Thousands of people could be seen standing in queues to visit the final rest place of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his martyred daughter Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and sons Shaheed Shahnawaz and Murtaza Bhutto.

Significant security measures have been taken and Sindh government has deployed some 6,000 cops and officers the vigilance, a provincial government official told stated news agency.

He said that scanners were installed at the entry point while strip search was also being conducted if required. Besides, sniffer dogs were being used for detection and vehicle search was ensured.

Organizing committee has set-up separate camps for accommodation and reception of the workers and leaders from all the four provinces, northern areas and Azad Kashmir.

Pakistan Railways was operating special trains from Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta, to facilitate the people for reaching Garhi Khuda Bux.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, first elected prime minister of Pakistan was hanged by then dictator General Zia on April 4, 1979. General Zia had unconstitutionally taken over the rule and removed the prime minister.

Garhi Khuda Bux is a city now called martyrs of democracy has gained an importance especially after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto as hundreds of thousands of spirited party workers thronged in this small town and can be seen chanting slogans to pay homage to their shaheed leaders.

One can hear slogans like “Jeay Bhutto sada Jeay” and “Zinda hey BB Zinda hey” by workers gathered here from every nook and corner of the country.

Every street of Garhi Khuda Bux was decorated with tri-coloured flags and banners of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, members of the federal cabinet, National Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker and senior leadership of the PPP also visited the mausoleum to offer fateha and pay homage to the great leader.

“Well, Bhutto is a symbol of inspiration and courage. He gave awareness to masses for their rights. He was voice of deprived segment of society,” senior PPP leader Dr. Israr Shah said.

Israr Shah, who was student leader in Z.A Bhutto’s era, said that former prime minister had a very humble and charismatic personality. Besides, he never compromised over the principles.

“Bhutto preferred death over the compromise. He is physically not with us but his wisdom, his vision, his manifesto and his thought is still alive...Bhutto is a martyr, he will always rule the peoples’ hearts,” remarked Shah.

Meanwhile, a PPP spokesman said that President Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of PPP, will preside over the party central executive committee (CEC) and federal council (FC) meeting in Naudero this evening.

All CEC, FC members, MNAs and Senators would attend the meeting which has been convened to pay tribute to the founding PPP chairman and take stock of country’s current political situation.

On the other hand; as part of the ceremonies to remember the great leader, a documentary, depicting life and achievements of Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto will also be shown on the occasion.

In addition; a Mushaira has also been scheduled at the mausoleum of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and a torch bearing procession was taken out from Larkana.

The ceremony will begin Saturday morning with Quran Khawani and later throughout the day the workers and leaders would be visiting the mausoleum for paying their respects and praying for the soul.

In Islamabad, a function has been arranged to observe the 30th Martyrdom Anniversary of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, at central secretariat.

The function would start with Quran Khawani and prominent PPP leaders address the session to highlight the achievements and services of Shaheed Chairman for the betterment of masses.

On the other hand, People’s Party (Shaheed Bhutto) has also made arrangements for observing the 30th Death Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said a party spokesman.