The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has finalised the preparations to observe first martyrdom anniversary of slain party leader Benazir Bhutto on December 27. It will be holiday. The CEC met here at Prime Minister House on Thursday with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani who is also vice chairman of the party, in the chair.
The Secretary General of the PPP, Jahangir Badr was asked to make preparations for observance of the day. "In the footsteps of her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, she sacrificed her life for the cause of democracy, Jahangir Badr said while briefing the media about the deliberations of the CEC meeting.
"It is incumbent upon every one of us to observe her death anniversary in a befitting manner," he said, adding that the PPP was the only political party whose two successive chairpersons laid down their lives fighting for the cause of democracy and this fact alone made the party a unique political force. He also asked the members to come prepared with their suggestions and recommendations.
Earlier, addressing the CEC, PM Gilani said democracy has been fully restored and PPP will continue mission of its slain leader to strengthen the country on democratic norms. PPP has a unique status among other political parties of South Asia for numerous sacrifices made by its leadership and workers, he said.
He said Benazir Bhutto's speeches and the CEC decisions taken by her provided a guideline for the party and were a source of inspiration for the government. He recalled that he had the privilege of working with Benazir Bhutto as party's vice chairman for 10 years.
He said sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto kept the party intact and it is now responsibility of every individual in the party to take the banner forward. He appreciated contribution of party workers whose support made establishment of PPP government possible in the federal capital and provinces.
The Prime Minister said the country was facing the challenges of terrorism and extremism, while the law and order situation needed to be improved. He also mentioned the negative impact cast by the menace of terrorism on national economy.
Gilani said it was the government's top priority to ensure the protection of people's lives and property. "We are aware of all these issues. We will ensure the sovereignty, integrity and self-respect of the country at every cost," he said.
Gilani said various steps were being taken to strengthen agricultural set-up and increase in support price of wheat up to Rs 950 per 40 kg bag, which was earlier Rs 450 during the previous government.
PM said PPP government was enjoying complete support in federation, and mentioned that the President Asif Ali Zardari was elected by two-third majority while he himself was unanimously elected by the parliament. He said while constituting the cabinet, it was kept in mind that all areas of the country be represented either through ministers or advisors.
He asked the members of CEC, which also include federal and provincial ministers, to focus on the provision of basic health and education facilities in their areas in addition to increasing employment and income generation opportunities.
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