Pakistan People's Party: Bhutto Became a Martyr Without Compromising His Principles

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) organized a series of large mass events in the Karachi and Malir regions on the occasion of the anniversary of the 5 Temmuz period. Senior party officials and leaders gave statements at these events, drawing attention to the unique resistance shown by the party's founder, Zülfikar Ali Bhutto, for the sake of democracy and principles. Speakers emphasized that Bhutto never made any concessions to authoritarian regimes and was willing to sacrifice his life for this cause. The events also featured harsh criticism of the profound damage that past military coups inflicted on the country and democracy. Party sympathizers attending the meetings frequently chanted slogans to demonstrate their support for democracy.

Nisar Ahmed Khoro, the President of PPP Sindh Eyaleti, exalted Bhutto's legacy in his speech at the ceremony in Gulshan-e-Hidid, stating that Bhutto was a revolutionary leader. Khoro stated that Zülfikar Ali Bhutto significantly increased the country's prestige internationally by bringing representatives of Islamic countries to Pakistan. He added that Bhutto created a deep awareness among the public and equipped the country with a modern vision. Khoro criticized the General Ziyaülhak period, arguing that the bans imposed on political parties during that time paralyzed democracy. Noting that Ziyaülhak deeply divided the nation and fueled religious fanaticism and ethnic discrimination, he touched upon the destructive consequences of this period.

Sindh Eyaleti Minister and PPP Karaçi Division President Saeed Ghani, on the other hand, highlighted Bhutto's personal sacrifice at the ceremony at the Peoples Secretariat. Ghani stated that the martyred leader had every means to save his life, but chose to die rather than compromise his principles. In his speech, he noted that after the traumatic defeat in 1971, Bhutto got the country back on its feet in a very short time and built national pride. He also emphasized that he prayed for the complete eradication of the lasting effects of the dictatorial mindset on the country, and that this process was essential for democratization. Saeed Ghani stated that politics must return to an ideological basis and called for the lifting of the ban on student unions for the active participation of university youth in democratic processes.

Former Milli Meclis Member Rauf Ahmed Nagori and other party spokespeople recalled the systematic repression aimed at completely eliminating the PPP after 5 Temmuz 1977. Nagori stated that Zülfikar Ali Bhutto was executed as a result of an unfair trial and that this was a judicial murder. He expressed that Benazir Butto was also martyred for the same struggle for democracy, and that Asif Ali Zerdari was subjected to unjust imprisonment for years, yet no crime could be proven against them. The party administration stated that despite this severe oppression, the Pakistan People's Party has grown even stronger to this day and has not lost the support of the public. The speakers noted that behind the party's emergence victorious from these difficult tests lies the unwavering loyalty of the public and its grassroots.

Party officials Iqbal Sand, Raja Razzaq Baloch, and Sharmila Farooqi also made speeches at the events, emphasizing the unique sacrifices of the party base. Baloch stated that many people fled the country on the nights of the coup, but brave PPP activists endured razors, torture, and long-term imprisonments. Sharmila Farooqi paid her respects to all party members, especially women, who sacrificed their lives and families in the struggle for democracy. Iqbal Sand reminded the audience that even decades later, the courts officially acknowledged the injustice done to Bhutto, showing how the slogan 'Bhutto is Alive' still resonates among the public today. Party leaders added that despite all these historical pains, they are not seeking revenge and will continue to strengthen the country under the leadership of Bilaval Butto Zerdari in order to build the future.