Remembering the untiring efforts for revival of democracy, civil society members Monday gathered at the Parade Avenue (D-Chowk) to pay glowing tributes to Begum Nusrat Bhutto – the mother of late Benazir Bhutto – who died on Sunday in Dubai. The members of civil society, students and youth, while holding candles and portraits of late leader, lit candles and laid floral wreath in front of her portrait and described her as the ‘Mother Bhutto’. Development Communications (DEVCOM) in partnership with other civil society organisations held the event. Addressing on the occasion, the participants said Nusrat Bhutto waged a valiant political struggle for revival of democracy, restoration of constitution and upholding of fundamental rights of Pakistanis in the face of brutal dictatorship.
“As the first lady from 1973 to 1977, Nusrat Bhutto functioned as a political leader and accompanied her husband on a number of overseas visits,” they said.
Participants said the PPP leader had always been a fighter. She launched the battle for the empowerment of the people in the streets against the dictatorship. DEVCOM Director Munir Ahmed said Nusrat Bhutto was the mother of democracy because she faced difficulties with patience and courage for the country’s progress and growth. She was a strong and brave woman and played a vital role in the restoration of democracy in the country. “Her death is great loss for the country,” he said. Munir said Mother Bhutto’s contribution for women empowerment, her role for development of society and political struggle for democracy during the dictatorial rule of Gen Ziaul Haq was exemplary, as the she faced the most brutal regime in the country’s history. At the end, the participants offered fateha and prayed for the salvation of late Bhutto.
