Vows to continue PPP’s mission against anti-democratic elements
Former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said Saturday that the party would continue the mission of PPP’s slain leader Benazir Bhutto, adding that there was a great threat from those who are seeking to assault democracy in the name of democracy itself.
In a message on the seventh anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy, Zardari said, “October 18 is a day to pay homage to the memories of those brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for democracy and the fight against extremism.”
“It was this day seven years ago that Benazir returned to Pakistan from exile defying all odds and warnings,” said Zardari.
“Benazir decided to return because she sensed that Pakistan was facing an existential threat from the militants on one hand and dictatorship on the other. She wanted to lead from the front the fight against dictatorship and militancy. Once she made up her mind, nothing could stop her.”
Zardari added that the enemies of democracy and Pakistan attacked her caravan resulting in the martyrdom of nearly two hundred PPP workers and democrats.
“Nothing could deter the party workers and indeed nothing will,” said Zardari.
“Within a year the dictator was sent home packing on August 18, 2008. The democratic journey continued resulting in the restoration, to a large extent, of the 1973 Constitution, grant of unprecedented provincial autonomy, a new NFC Award on the basis of a revised formula and the strengthening of the Parliament as the president voluntarily returned powers to the Parliament.”
“The struggle has not ended,” said the former president, adding that there should be no doubt that the fight against the dictatorial and anarchical mindset would continue.
