Pakistan Peoples Party celebrated 37th death anniversary of party’s founder, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on April 4. An important event in this connection organized at the grave of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh near Larkana city.
PPP’s government is Sindh province and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) announced General Public Holiday on that day. It was expected that PPP’s central leader Asif Ali zardari would come for the ceremony but PPP’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the gathering.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto launched Pakistan Peoples Party after leaving Ayub’s Cabinet. He was one of the few Prime Ministers of Pakistan who had great influence not only in the country but also globally. He was a visionary person and proved that he wasn’t a man of mere empty rhetoric. On the international front, Bhutto is often idealised as the leader who stood up to Western powers. His famous speech at the UN Security Council showed the world that he was a charismatic leader who was not afraid to fight his case. His vision helped Islamic nations to unite on one block, his efforts enhanced importance of Pakistan at the international stage. He was able to ensure the safe return of Pakistani prisoners of war without sacrificing Pakistan’s key national interests. Bhutto spearheaded the Pakistani nuclear program amidst strong international restrictions. Perhaps he was the only leader of Pakistan with significance international presence.
His death was indeed a dark spot in politics of the country. Generally it is believed that it was a judicial murder which was followed by long and dark dictatorial rule. It is his charisma that PPP still uses his name to convince voters.
Bhutto’s death was a dark moment in Pakistani politics.