PPP Workers Gather at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to Mark 18th Death Anniversary of Benazir Bhutto

Islamabad:On the 18th death anniversary of *Daughter of the East* Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers from across the country are arriving in large numbers at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where several reception camps have been set up to welcome them.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, along with Faryal Talpur, visited Benazir Bhutto’s mausoleum and laid floral wreaths. They also paid respects at the graves of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mir Murtaza Bhutto, and Shahnawaz Bhutto. PPP Sindh General Secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi, other party leaders, and activists also visited the mausoleum and offered prayers.

The Sindh government has announced a public holiday on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has also declared a public holiday in AJK on this occasion.

### Life and Political Struggle of Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto’s life was marked by immense personal and political hardship. Her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was executed, while her two brothers were killed. She faced brutal military dictatorships, endured imprisonment and exile, yet never retreated from her struggle for democracy.

Benazir Bhutto, who earned the title *Daughter of the East*, holds the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world. She served twice as Prime Minister of Pakistan and is regarded by political analysts as one of the country’s most resilient leaders, earning recognition at both regional and international levels.

Born on June 21, 1953, in Karachi, Benazir Bhutto received her early education at Convent of Jesus and Mary and Karachi Grammar School. She later studied Political Science and International Law at Harvard University and the University of Oxford.

Analysts note that PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto chose Benazir as his political successor over his sons, a decision history proved to be far-sighted. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law, Benazir continued her struggle for democracy from abroad. When she returned to Pakistan in April 1986, she received an unprecedented public welcome.

Following the 1988 general elections, Benazir Bhutto became the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world, though her government was dismissed after 18 months. She was re-elected in November 1993, but her second government was also dissolved in 1996.

After facing alleged political victimization, Benazir went into exile. In 2007, despite serious security threats, she announced her return to Pakistan. Upon her arrival in Karachi on October 18, 2007, her welcome procession was targeted by deadly bomb blasts, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.

Undeterred, Benazir continued addressing public gatherings across the country. Despite repeated warnings about threats to her life, she refused to distance herself from the people.

On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a deadly attack after addressing a rally at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. She was laid to rest in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana, beside her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and brothers Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto.