The third death anniversary of a former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto will be observed on Monday with a resolve to carry on her mission for strengthening democracy in the country. Benazir's political career, which spanned over 30 years, was full of consistent struggle to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
Born in Karachi in 1953 as the first child of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir remained prime minister of the country twice, from 1988 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996. To pay homage to Benazir Bhutto who sacrificed her life for the socio-economic emancipation of the underprivileged and revival of true democracy in Pakistan, functions will be held across the country. The main function will be held at Garhi Khuda Baksh. Caravans of supporters and workers, led by MNAs and MPAs from all parts of the country have reached Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to make a pledge that they would work for socio-economic development of the poor, labour class, women and marginalised community and development and prosperity of Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto died in a suicide attack after addressing a public rally at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on December 27, 2007. Twice-elected, she firmly believed that the future viability, stability and security of the country is dependent on empowering its people and building political institutions and she sacrificed her life for achieving these goals.
Benazir Bhutto decided to end her eight-year self-exile in October 2007. On her return, she said: "This is the beginning of a long journey for Pakistan, back to democracy, and I hope my going back is a catalyst for change. We must believe miracles can happen."
Benazir Bhutto was a leader of strong nerves and determination and continued her struggle for return of democracy with more courage and conviction after first assassination bid on October 18, 2007, on the day of her arrival in Karachi in which over 200 people were killed. Benazir's proclamation that "Democracy is the best revenge" came true when Pervez Musharraf bowed before the will of the people and stepped down as COAS a month before BB was killed. In her last book "Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West", published after her death, she wrote that the best guarantee for a stable region is a democratic thriving Pakistan.