Islamabad, December 28, 2025: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani on Saturday paid rich tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her martyrdom as an irreparable loss not only for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) but for the entire nation.
Addressing the Dallas, USA chapter of the PPP via telephone on the 18th martyrdom anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Gillani said he had the honor of working closely with her in various capacities, including as a party office-bearer, minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, and senior vice chairman of the party.
He said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a deeply committed, visionary, and highly focused leader who carried forward the political legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in an exemplary manner. Gillani termed Shaheed Bhutto’s decision to name her as his political successor as wise and far-sighted, noting that she not only upheld his vision but also advanced his struggle through revolutionary thinking.
Recalling her political journey, Gillani said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto endured years of exile, imprisonment, hardships, and immense personal sacrifices but never retreated from her struggle. Through her unwavering resolve, she revived the Pakistan Peoples Party as a true party of the masses.
He said that when Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto returned to active politics, much of the senior party leadership had sided with the dictator General Zia-ul-Haq. Referring to the 1985 non-party-based elections, which the PPP boycotted, Gillani said hindsight proved the boycott politically damaging, as many elected members later joined the so-called King’s Party. Despite these setbacks, he said, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto continued her struggle and ultimately succeeded in restoring party-based elections through the courts.
Following this, the PPP emerged victorious, and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the first female Prime Minister of any Muslim country at the age of 35, he said, adding that she further reorganized and strengthened the party despite immense opposition.
Gillani said powerful forces did not want a progressive, democratic, and internationally respected leader to govern Pakistan. Her government was dismissed, conspiracies were hatched against her, and acts of terrorism were carried out, yet she continued her political struggle with renewed determination.
He said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto played a key role in pressuring military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, through international partners, to shed his uniform and announce free, fair, and transparent elections. Referring to her historic return to Karachi on October 18, he recalled that millions welcomed her, though an assassination attempt was made the same day. Later, during the election campaign in Rawalpindi, she embraced martyrdom.
The Chairman Senate said that in the aftermath of her assassination, President Asif Ali Zardari showed wisdom and statesmanship by prioritizing national unity and the survival of Pakistan at a time of deep grief and unrest. As a result, elections were held, and the PPP once again formed the government.
Gillani said that as Prime Minister, he implemented the Charter of Democracy agreed between Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, ensuring democratic continuity and the rule of law. He noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was passed in line with Mohtarma’s vision, even though she was no longer alive, and that its immediate beneficiary was Nawaz Sharif, who was enabled to assume a third term as prime minister.
He further said that President Asif Ali Zardari voluntarily transferred presidential powers to Parliament, restoring parliamentary supremacy and strengthening democratic institutions in line with Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision. This, he added, dismantled a hybrid system and firmly re-established a true parliamentary democracy in Pakistan.
Concluding his address, Gillani urged party workers and the nation to remember the sacrifices of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and continue striving for a prosperous, democratic, and progressive Pakistan.
