|
As Pakistanis observe the third anniversary of the death of Benazir Bhutto, December 27th has been declared a public holiday. Memorial ceremonies are being held in all four provincial capitals.
Our correspondent takes a close look at a commemorative service in Liaqat Bagh, where the nation's former Prime Minister was assassinated 3 years ago.
Eighty year old Sardar Khalil-ur-Rahman remembers the day of murder all too well. He was accompanying the motorcade when the assassination took place. Being a loyal worker of the Bhutto family, Sardar lost his senses and since then, dressed like a bodyguard, holding the party flag in his arms, he sits at the memorial of the woman, he once called his leader.
Sardar Khalil-Ur Rahman, Pakistan People's Party Worker, said, "She is not dead, she is alive in every person’s heart, great leaders do not die, she has left her legacy behind and we will always be loyal to her party."
Leaders of the opposition party also arrive at the memorial at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi to lay flowers and pay tribute to Benazir Bhutto.
Malik Shakeel Awan, Pakistani National Assembly Member, said, "Even though there have always been differences between our parties, but indeed Pakistan has lost a great leader, a visionary. Things would have been much better had she been alive."
Hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the country, including top leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party will reach Garhi Khuda Bux to pay tributes to Benazir at her mausoleum.
Babar Awan, Pakistan People's Party Leader, said, "The whole country and all the party workers must unite and move forward to develop Pakistan, this was the dream of our great leader and we will make it come true."
Party workers will observe vigils and memorials in Sindh, Punjab, Balouchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces to remember Benazir, who they say has sacrificed her life for democracy and empowerment of people at every level.
Malik Mazhar Hussain, Pakistan People's Party Worker, said, "She was not only a leader of worldwide standing but also a thinker with a gift to handle any failure faced by her government. She used to shower flowers at us when ever there were marches and demonstrations, she loved the country. Once she told me that she will give her life for the country, and she finally did it."
High security arrangements have been made throughout the country to ensure peaceful observance of the death anniversary.
"Bhutto’s party workers maintain that she was not only a leader of international repute but also a visionary politician with an ability to manage any crisis faced by her government and the country, they say she will be remembered for her commitment to democracy and her people who have waged a long struggle against the dictatorial regimes for revival of democratic order in Pakistan."
 |
Supporters light candles in front of a picture of slain former
Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto in Quetta in 2009.
(AFP/File/Banaras Khan) |
 |
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court Saturday issued warrants for the
arrest of two police officers for their "failure" to protect slain
former prime ministerBenazir Bhutto, a prosecutor said.
(AFP/File/Bertrand Langlois) |
全球公众传媒摘编：GAN JADE |
