Government carrying forward democratic vision of Shaheed Bhutto: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the PPP government is carrying forward the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for strengthening democracy, striving for the rights of citizens and service to people.
"The beacon of democratic traditions, service to people and collective wisdom, lit by Bhutto Sahib was later carried forward by his daughter Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. "And now we are continuing our journey in the guidance of that beacon," Gilani said in his message on the occasion of 32nd martyrdom anniversary of the founder Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The prime minister paid glowing tributes to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his struggle and sacrifices for democracy and said, "today in 1979, he embraced martyrdom in Rawalpindi jail, but did not bow before the dictatorship. "He (Bhutto) set an excellent example of integrity, love for masses and nationalism, which has become a source of guidance not only for our countrymen but for all pro-democracy and pro-development people across the world", he added.
The prime minister said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto owing to his exceptional intelligence, God gifted talent, pro-development sense of feeling and active diplomacy earned such an image at international level, that would always remain there and to be remembered in the history.
"It goes to his credit that he raised the voice of dissent against the dictatorship and paved the way for restoration of democracy in the country," he added.
The prime minister recalled that when Shaheed Bhutto took over the government responsibilities in 1971 after the PPP secured unprecedented victory in elections, the tragedy of East Pakistan had occurred and the country was facing serious difficulties and challenges at internal and external fronts. "But Bhutto Sahib through great courage, far-sightedness and prudent approach made successful attempts to control the situation," he added.
Prime Minister Gilani said that Shaheed Bhutto during his six years of rule (1971 to 1977) as President and Prime Minister served the country meritoriously. The Prime Minister said, "let us pledge on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of that great leader that we will continue to strive for strengthening of democracy in the country and for the rights of people and will make Pakistan a moderate, progressive and prosperous country." "This is the path, by following which we can pay meaningful tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto," he added.