LARKANA: The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) held a power show on the occasion of the 13th death anniversary of former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
For the first time, along with PPP leaders, PDM leaders Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and other party leaders will address the people from the stage of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.
Due to ill health, former president Asif Ali Zardari is likely to address the rally via video link.
All arrangements for the rally had been completed as people from all over the country continued to reach the venue. Caravans led by PPP leaders from all the districts of Sindh, including Karachi, were also en-route.
The Shrines of martyrs and surrounding areas have been decorated with banners and party flags. Carpets have been set up for the workers to sit on. Walk-through gates have been installed at the entrances of the shrines.
Tightening security arrangements on the occasion of the anniversary, 7,000 police personnel have been deployed, including women commandos and traffic police personnel. The venue will also be monitored by CCTV cameras.
Reception and medical camps have also been set up at Gari Khuda Buksh by various departments and the PPP. The central leadership, including PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto, has arrived in Larkana to attend the anniversary celebrations.
Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday paid glowing tributes to his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her 13th death anniversary and said though she was not physically with them she continued to be a unifying and binding force for democratic forces and a guiding light for the party leaders and workers.
In a message released on the eve of the anniversary, Bilawal pledged that the mission left behind by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto would be pursued vigorously and asked the party workers to get ready for a grand struggle for the restoration of true democracy, supremacy of Constitution and parliament and complete empowerment of people in the country.
He said that Benazir Bhutto was a model daughter, sister, wife, mother and ruler of hearts in Islamic world and her loss would continue to be felt for centuries
Mr Bhutto-Zardari said that the former premier not only inspired women in a male-dominated society but she unified the whole nation and led it valiantly during the struggle for restoration of democracy and human rights.
Bilawal said that Benazir Bhutto not only inspired women in a male-dominated society but she also unified the whole nation and led it valiantly during the struggle for restoration of democracy and human rights.
He said that Benazir Bhutto struggled for the rights of the downtrodden, empowerment of women and the marginalised and braved solitary confinement, imprisonment, victimisation and character assassination but never fell silent.
“Your war is not with PDM but with the 220 million people of Pakistan whom you have struck like lightning,” Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif said whilst addressing PM Khan.
