KARACHI/HYDERABAD/ ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that if the federal government intends to launch development projects in Karachi, it would be a welcome move; however, such initiatives must strictly conform to the constitution and the 18th Amendment.
Speaking to the media during his visit to the Karsaz Martyrs’ Memorial on Sharea Faisal, Bilawal emphasised that the PPP supports all efforts aimed at Karachi’s progress but stands firm on the constitutional rights of the provinces. Responding to a question about international affairs, he said that the latest developments in Gaza offer some hope, though serious concerns still remain about the humanitarian situation there.
The PPP chairman, while speaking to the media at the site of the tragedy, said that Pakistan’s history is marked by many painful incidents, and the events of October 18, 2007, stand among the most tragic acts of terrorism, in which several PPP workers were martyred. He said the suicide attack took place on the day Benazir Bhutto returned to her homeland after years of exile, adding that the terrorist attack was not only a conspiracy against Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and the PPP but also against the country and the federation itself.
Bilawal described Benazir Bhutto as the voice and hope of the people and said she continued her struggle with courage and conviction until her martyrdom. Despite the brutal terrorist attack, she never feared the terrorists, the extremists, or their facilitators, he said.
“She neither bowed nor retreated; she continued her struggle with unwavering courage—until she was martyred on December 27, 2007,” he said.
Bilawal said the PPP continues to pursue her mission, philosophy, and democratic vision. He added that the PPP Central Executive Committee would meet later on Saturday to deliberate on the current political situation and regional developments, and he would brief the committee on his recent meeting with the prime minister.
Earlier, Bilawal laid floral wreaths and offered prayers at the memorial. Sindh PPP President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, legislators, and a large number of PPP workers were present on the occasion.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the martyrs of democracy on the 18th anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy.
The president said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan on this day despite clear threats to her life. “She remained resolute after the terrorist attack at Karsaz and continued her struggle for the restoration of democracy,” he said.
Recalling the events that followed, the president said that she visited hospitals and neighbourhoods the next day to meet the injured and console the bereaved families, reflecting her deep concern for her workers and the people of Pakistan.
The president said that from that day until her martyrdom, her life and sacrifice have remained a source of guidance and strength for all those who stand for democracy and peace. He said that as the nation continues to confront terrorism and extremism, the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy reinforce our resolve to defeat all such forces.
Meanwhile, First Lady of Pakistan and Member National Assembly Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari on Saturday paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy on its 18th anniversary, describing their sacrifice as a guiding light for democracy.
In a statement issued by the media house of the Bilawal House, Aseefa said that the site of Karsaz on Karachi’s Sharea Faisal stands as a “blood-stained witness” to Pakistan’s long and painful democratic struggle.
She said that on this ground, democracy was ambushed and attacked by cowardly enemies, yet the journey toward democracy could not be halted. Recalling October 18, 2007, she said the historic procession that began from Karachi Airport under the leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became a defining moment in the nation’s history, when the “Daughter of the East” was targeted, but her loyal companions sacrificed their lives to protect her.
Aseefa noted that when the first line of Jiyalas embraced martyrdom, the second line immediately stepped forward to defend their leader, and one by one, over 180 workers laid down their lives. She said such immortal tales of courage and sacrifice continue to inspire democratic movements across the world.
Paying tribute to the martyrs, she said: “The martyrs of Karsaz did not fall in vain; they planted the seeds of courage that continue to bloom in every struggle for democracy. Their blood did not darken our path — it illuminated it. Until every voice in Pakistan is free and every citizen stands equal, we will march forward in their name.”
Badin event
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) District Badin chapter on Friday organised a condolence programme at Lawari Palace to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy on its 18th anniversary.
PPP Hyderabad Division President Senator Aajiz Dhamrah, Provincial Adviser and General Secretary Gyanchand Israni, District Council Chairman and PPP Badin President Jam Ali Asghar Halipoto, MNAs Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur and Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, MPAs Haji Taj Mohammad Mallah, Mir Allah Bux Talpur, Dada Haji Mohammad Halipoto, Tanzila Umme Habiba Qambrani, Pir Noorullah Qureshi, Pir Mohammad Saleh Qureshi and Fasil Rahu Jr., and other party leaders addressed the gathering.
Senator Dhamrah said the PPP is the only political party whose leaders and workers have sacrificed their lives for democracy, adding that the graves of martyrs at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh are proof of this struggle. He paid glowing tributes to Benazir Bhutto and other PPP leaders.
The speakers at the event recalled the historic return of Benazir on October 18, 2007, when a terror attack at Karsaz claimed the lives of nearly 200 PPP workers. They reiterated their commitment to continue the mission of the martyrs.
Later, a large public gathering and Quran Khwani was held in UC Sheikh Bharkio, Tando Muhammad Khan, to remember the martyrs. MPA and PPP District President Ijaz Shah Shirazi, Mustafa Shah, Ismail Vassan, Sikandar Hayat, local government representatives, PPP workers, civil society members and journalists attended the event.