A massive number of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers and supporters are reaching Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to pay tribute to the “Daughter of the East,” Benazir Bhutto, on her 18th death anniversary on Saturday.
Reception camps have been set up across various locations to facilitate the arriving convoys.
Benazir Bhutto’s life was defined by immense personal sacrifice and political resilience. Her father was sent to the gallows, and both of her brothers were murdered.
Despite facing the worst forms of dictatorship and enduring years in exile, she never wavered from her democratic struggle.
Known as the “Daughter of the East,” Benazir Bhutto holds the historic distinction of being the first female prime minister of the Islamic world, serving two terms as the premier of Pakistan.
Political analysts describe her as a leader who faced the most daunting challenges in Pakistan’s history, earning her a level of international recognition rare for South Asian political figures.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 21, 1953, in Karachi, Benazir Bhutto received her early education at the Convent of Jesus and Mary and Karachi Grammar School.
She later pursued higher education in political science and international law at the prestigious Harvard and Oxford Universities.
The Political Successor
According to observers, PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto chose Benazir as his political successor over his sons—a decision that time proved to be correct.
During General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law, she led the movement for the restoration of democracy from abroad. Upon her return to Pakistan in April 1986, she was greeted by a historic and unprecedented public welcome.
Ministerial Terms and Exile
1988: Following the PPP’s victory in the general elections, she was elected the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world. However, her government was dismissed after just 18 months.
1993: She was elected Prime Minister for a second time in November, but in 1996, her government was again dismissed, this time by a president nominated by her own party.
Exile: Facing what were described as politically motivated retaliatory actions, she went into exile.
The Final Return
In 2007, despite grave threats to her life, Benazir Bhutto announced her return to Pakistan. On October 18, 2007, her homecoming procession in Karachi was targeted by massive bomb blasts, resulting in hundreds of casualties.
Despite constant warnings regarding her safety, she refused to distance herself from the public, holding rallies across various cities to champion the people’s mandate.
The Tragic Assassination
On December 27, 2007, after addressing a massive public gathering at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, she was targeted in a fatal assassination attempt.
The tragic departure of the beloved leader left the nation in mourning. Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana, alongside her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and her brothers, Murtaza and Shahnawaz Bhutto.
