Today, we are celebrating the glorious personality of a leader who had fully dedicated 22 years of his 51-year life to the service of this nation. He shone like a star on Pakistan's horizon throughout his political career. Till this day, he remains our star, and guiding us with his ever-bright vision. Pakistan was just 11 years old when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto joined the then government. Throughout, he remained the center of attention and an epitome of national hope. In government or in opposition, in jail or out of it, he singularly ruled the hearts and minds of our people from 1958 to 1979, and continues to do so. While he has been physically separated from us years ago, he still throbs in our hearts. Physical passing could never take him away from us.
I am personally thankful to the Almighty Allah for having led me on his path. Besides the honour of being Bhutto's daughter, I am also proud that just like him, I too have the opportunity and courage to challenge dictatorships. I too have been in jails, and I too am honoured to be loved and revered by the people; the poor, the labourers, farmers, intellectuals and the women. Today is the continuity of Bhutto's rule. I believe, just like he did, that the real rulers of this country are our people. This is not People's Party's Government. This is the government of the people! Rule of law and fulfilling the aspirations of our people in all matters of governance is all that matters to us and which were the basic principles of Bhutto's politics.
And this too is the spirit of democracy. Democracy was the pearl which Bhutto searched and struggled for all his life in the streets, towns, cities, and villages of Pakistan. He went to places where former rulers never even dared. Above all, he laid his life for democracy and the people. He, as a great leader could see that his death was more valuable to the lives of the people, and never hesitated in becoming immortal for his nation. A martyr's death breathes in a new life into their nation.
We brought back our prisoners of war from India. We took back our captured territories. We built the Shahrah-e-Karakorum and established modern ordnance factories. We emancipated common citizens and gave them the Constitution of 1973. We initiated Pakistan's nuclear programme. For the first time, we appointed a woman Vice Chancellor and another as the Governor to change the social attitudes in such a drastic way that today, by the grace of Allah, a woman is leading Pakistan as its Prime Minister.
All these progressive achievements were the product of Bhutto's vision. Imagine, the short tenure of 20th December 1971 to 4th July 1977. It's very short. A lot of time has passed ever since. Those five and a half years are still outstanding in our history and are revered as a tenure of immense national accomplishments internationally, economically and politically. Unfortunately, one dark night took away the aspirations of millions of Pakistanis. For 11 years afterwards, a dictator has tried with all his might to crush the spirit of our invincible masses and tried to promote darkness. Now, we need better administrators from among the people. Removing ignorance and regressive tendencies from society is our responsibility. Harmonising linguistic and sectarian differences, and rooting out terrorism is our mission. All eyes are upon us from South and Central Asia to the Middle East, and beyond. We have the political experience as well as the vision to do it. We also have the resources and the intellectual capabilities of our great people. Quaid-e-Awam wanted the Islamic world to be united and strong, and had inaugurated the historic Islamic Summit. Insha Allah, we will fulfil his mission.
In my struggle on Bhutto's path, each and every Bhutto follower is my strength. While our people are our companions, we pray for the best to Allah. Our destination is in sight. Our future is bright.
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