Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed a seminar held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, organized by Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi President Mian Khurram Rasool, where he paid tribute to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, describing him as a symbol of ideology, democracy, and public consciousness. He remarked that April 4 remains a significant and painful day in national history, reminding the nation of the great sacrifices made for democracy and the rights of the people.
The Chairman Senate was addressing the seminar as Chief Guest on the occasion of the 47th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
He stated that the 1973 Constitution stands as a historic achievement of Zulfiqar Bhutto Shaheed, providing a strong foundation for the country's democratic structure. He further noted that the establishment of the Senate reflects Bhutto's federal vision, ensuring equal representation of provinces and addressing the sense of deprivation among federating units.
Chairman Gilani highlighted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment strengthened democracy by empowering the provinces. He emphasized that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto elevated Pakistan's stature globally, gave the nation its identity, and ensured the right to vote for the people. His leadership, he said, made the people a true source of power and safeguarded fundamental rights.
He added that laying the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear program and establishing major industrial projects such as Pakistan Steel Mills were among Bhutto's landmark achievements, contributing significantly to national defense and employment generation.
The Chairman Senate noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried forward Bhutto's mission with great resolve, while Asif Ali Zardari ensured the transfer of powers to Parliament and elected representatives through the 18th Amendment. He described Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a leader of the younger generation, highlighting that over 60 percent of Pakistan's population comprises youth, which is a guarantee of a bright future.
Chairman Gilani said the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for democracy are unforgettable and that the leadership continues to strive for democracy, social justice, and public welfare. He reaffirmed that Pakistan's progress is contingent upon empowering its people and that Bhutto's ideology remains alive and will continue to inspire generations.
In conclusion, the Chairman Senate congratulated Mian Khurram Rasool on successfully organizing the seminar.
The seminar was also addressed by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, President PPP AJK Chaudhry Yasin, former MD Bait-ul-Mal Amir Fida Paracha, and Advisor to the Chairman Senate Mian Khurram Rasool, along with other party leaders, who paid rich tribute to the political, social, and public services of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.