Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not merely a political leader, but a powerful symbol of democracy, human dignity, and the voice of the marginalized and oppressed. He stated that although many years have passed since her martyrdom, her ideas, courage, and moral clarity continue to live on with full force in the national consciousness.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, graced the occasion as the chief guest and paid rich tribute to the life, vision, and unparalleled services of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. A ceremony was organized by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) at the BISP Auditorium on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, officials, and representatives of civil society.
He remarked that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party or of Pakistan, but a global leader whose martyrdom was a great loss not just for Pakistan, but for the entire world. She was a staunch advocate of democracy, human rights, women’s empowerment, and the rights of workers and farmers.
The Chairman Senate highlighted that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a visionary leader who chose Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as his political successor, and she proved through her struggle, leadership, and sacrifices that this choice was absolutely right. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave a voice to the deprived segments of society and worked tirelessly for poor farmers and marginalized communities, a mission that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried forward with unwavering resolve.
Recalling his own political journey, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that upon Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s return to Pakistan, he met her and discussed the prevailing political situation. He emphasized that he always practiced politics based on respect and principles, which led him to join the Pakistan Peoples Party, a commitment he continues to uphold to this day. He said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto placed complete trust in him, and in the spirit of public service, he endured nine years of imprisonment. He noted that Allah Almighty later entrusted him with various constitutional offices, including Speaker National Assembly, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Leader of the Opposition and Chairman Senate, in all these roles he endeavored to translate Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision into practice.
The Chairman Senate stressed that power and opposition are temporary phases, while the true objective should always be national progress and public welfare. He stated that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto led the historic struggle against dictatorship, compelled General Musharraf to shed his uniform, and that the democratic continuity witnessed in Pakistan today is the result of her vision and sacrifices.
He further stated that significant progress was made under the Charter of Democracy, and President Asif Ali Zardari set a historic democratic example by transferring presidential powers to Parliament. He also described support for the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a continuation of the Charter of Democracy.
During his address, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani became emotional and said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto continues to live on in the hearts and minds of the people, and that all are committed to carrying forward her mission and vision. He highlighted her revolutionary steps for women’s empowerment, noting that in the past women in many areas were even denied the right to vote. Through the Benazir Income Support Programme, not only was economic support provided, but a positive transformation was also brought about in societal attitudes.
He said that despite facing dictatorship, repression, exile, and personal tragedies, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto kept the flag of democracy flying high. Her famous statement, “Democracy is the best revenge,” he added, was not merely a slogan but a practical struggle for safeguarding the rights and dignity of the deprived segments of society.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto viewed poverty not merely as an economic issue, but as a deprivation of human dignity, a philosophy that found practical expression in the Benazir Income Support Programme. He recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, BISP was formally launched on June 21, 2011, with the objective of providing dignified financial support to poor and deserving families. Today, he said, BISP has become the largest and most effective social protection programme in the country, reaching nearly ten million families.
He noted that through direct cash assistance, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, and Benazir Nashonuma programmes, significant progress has been made in poverty reduction, food security, school enrollment, and women’s empowerment. He also paid tribute to BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and her team, stating that their leadership reflects compassion, accountability, and courage—core values that constitute the true legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Addressing the ceremony, Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson BISP, paid glowing tribute to Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. She said that he is among the founders of BISP and that his services to the institution are unforgettable. She stated that the sacrifices of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto have no parallel in history, and that for the past 18 years, BISP has been operating strictly in accordance with her vision. She emphasized that Mohtarma’s clear message was that power belongs to the people, a principle that BISP has translated into practical action.
Senator Rubina Khalid elaborated on BISP’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, children’s education, and employment opportunities. She disclosed that on the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari, an employment programme is being launched, which has already received approval from the Board. She further stated that BISP is a life-cycle programme providing assistance, relief, and financial support to marginalized segments of society, and that a new payment model will soon be introduced under which ten million bank accounts will be opened to ensure direct financial assistance to women.
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reaffirmed that Parliament will continue to play its full role in advancing the democratic legacy and mission of social justice envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant her the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and guide Pakistan towards a just, enlightened, and strong democratic future.
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