December 27 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is an unhealed wound etched deep into our national history. Exactly 18 years ago, the Daughter of the East, the champion of democracy and the first elected female prime minister of the Muslim world, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated after addressing a grand public jalsa in Rawalpindi.
The charged crowd chanting slogans of 'Jiye Bhutto' was excited, hoping to catch one glimpse of their beloved leader at the time of departure. In those moments, terrorists found an opportunity for silencing a voice that stood for hope, courage and democracy in our beloved country as well as at the international level.
Mohtarma was far more than Pakistan’s first woman prime minister. She was a beacon of light in the darkest era of dictatorship, a brave daughter of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She faced the worst kinds of challenges in the form of her father’s unjust execution, imprisonment, exile, relentless threats to her life, and ceaseless political persecution, yet never surrendered. Rising to the highest office through the power of the people, she proved that her leadership marked the dawn of a brighter future.
She transformed politics into public service, empowered women, gave freedom to the media, uplifted marginalised communities and conveyed to the world that Pakistan sought peace, stability and constructive engagement with the global community. At a critical juncture in Pakistan’s history, she chose to return home to safeguard democracy, igniting a nationwide wave of hope and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, her courageous struggle came to a tragic end with her assassination on December 27, 2007.
Following her martyrdom, the nation confronted a defining question: would the mission of Shaheed Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir continue? At that critical junction, all eyes turned to one individual: her son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The torchbearer of the Bhutto legacy, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pledged to never abandon his mother’s noble mission of serving people by choosing dialogue over revenge and wisdom over anger.
When he assumed office as Pakistan’s young foreign minister, every Pakistani felt a surge of pride. Representing Pakistan at the UN and other powerful global forums, he presented the country’s case with dignity, maturity and confidence. Whether advocating for Kashmir, confronting Islamophobia, addressing terrorism or highlighting the struggles of
developing nations, Bilawal proved himself as a responsible, competent and
visionary leader.
Leading Pakistan’s diplomatic delegations, he emerged as a bright star in global diplomacy. His articulate, reasoned, and dignified diplomacy compelled the international community to listen. His statements made headlines in global media, including in India. The world witnessed in his stance the same grace and stature once synonymous with Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. I believe that Pakistan’s current growing recognition -- particularly in Western circles -- owes much to Bilawal’s effective, dynamic and responsible diplomacy.
It is an undeniable fact that the PPP lives in the hearts of the people. As a humble party worker, I take pride in being part of the caravan of democracy that has made unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan’s survival, stability and democratic continuity.
December 27 demands that we must never forget Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s noble mission. She was alive yesterday, she is alive today -- in the slogans of party workers, in the tears of the oppressed and in the courage of Bilawal. She lives in every voice raised against injustice and in every Pakistani who believes in democracy. She taught us to live with dignity, to struggle for principles, and to face martyrdom without any compromise. Today, the most meaningful way to honour Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is to stand with her son.
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani
