Glowing tributes paid to ZAB

LARKANA—Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was, indeed, the harbinger of new values in our politics and it was he who had altered the scales of people’s struggle, said speakers in a literary session here Friday to commemorate the life and achievements of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Islamabad-based intellectuals and writers hailing from all four provinces, AJK and Baltistan paid tributes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto during the session held by Pakistan Intellectual Forum ( PIF) in connection with the 29th death anniversary of an immortal hero.
Prof. Dr. Qasim Rind said Shaheed Bhutto knew the art of communicating with the people of all ages, all strata of society and would convince the masses that people and people alone are the true architects and guardians of their destiny.
“ZAB knew how to lead the people in their struggle against the forces of tyranny and exploitation and he was against ignorance and for knowledge, he was against oppression and for justice, he was against slavery and for freedom,” hemaintained.
Asadullah Mungrani said the qualitative difference between Bhutto’s approach and that of other politicians was his humility and modesty. To his political opponents, he could be disdainful, but when confronted with the masses, he was all humility.
Hashim Abro of PIF said it is the time when the people of Pakistan, need inspiration and guidance from his thoughts. He further said at this pathetic moment of national crisis, the people of Pakistan remember Bhutto more than ever and recall his determination and dexterity with which he took the nation out of crisis.
Among others who paid tribute to the great politician included Ms Tasleem Naz, Prof. Asmatullah, and Prof. Manzar Kazmi.
Later, they offered Fateha for the departed soul of Shaheed Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Friday that martyrs never die.He said Bhutto is alive and forever, and shall remain young in the annals of history.He was talking to the journalists after offering Fateha at the Mazar of PPP’s founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Ms Benazir Bhutto and other martyrs.
Yousuf Raza Gilani said Shaheed Bhutto is definitely alive in the hearts of those who yearn for a better future.
“We pledge to make Pakistan a really democratic, prosperous, developed and peaceful country in accordance with the philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as pursued by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. On the occasion Federal Ministers Sherry Rehman, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Syed Naveed Qamar were also present.
In Rawalpindi, Quran Khawani was held on the place in Jinnah Park at the old jail where the former prime minister of the country was hanged while the “langar” was also distributed by the local leaders.
Among others, former senator Sardar Saleem, President PPP Rawalpindi Zumard Khan Advocate, member Central Executive Committee Sultan Mehmood Qazi and former MPA Malik Aamir Fida Paracha were present on the occasion. Sumaira Gull represented women. The speakers while addressing on the occasion said that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto did not compromise on principles and preferred the death, instead of dealing with the dictator.
They said that Benazir Bhutto also followed the path of her father and knowing all the dangers to her life came to Pakistan and sacrificed her life for democracy in the country.
They demanded changing the name of the General Hospital to Benazir Hospital as the hospital now has the historical status while the name of Jinnah Park should also be changed to Bhutto Park. “Today it is imperative upon us to fulfill his mission. It is our national obligation to protect the constitution which Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had given us as a sacred document.”
The Prime Minister assured the nation that “Inshallah we will carry forward the mission of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and our leader Benazir Bhutto.”
He said, the rule of the people was the dream of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and “Inshallah we would establish the rule of the people in the country.”
“If there is any source of power and strength after Allah Almighty it is the people. We would promote the people’s rule. Inshallah we would represent the aspirations of the people and make this country stronger”, he added.
The Prime Minister called upon the nation to pray for Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto who have sacrificed their lives for the rights of the people.

—Agencies