The lost voice

The world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8. This Women’s Day, I keep recalling the name of a legendary and prominent woman politician of Pakistan. While she is not present among us, she lives in millions of hearts even 16 years after her martyrdom.

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for civilian supremacy and the stability of democracy within constitutional limits.

Being the first woman elected prime minister of not only Pakistan but also the Muslim world, Mohtarma was truly a symbol of the federation of Pakistan and enjoyed massive popularity. During her foreign visits, the local press used to pay tribute to her by calling her the ‘Princess of the East’ and ‘Iron Lady’. In a viral video clip, New Zealand’s former prime minister Jacinda Ardern can be seen praising Benazir Bhutto’s contributions.

During her tenure, Mohtarma took special measures for the welfare of women, which resulted in the establishment of the First Women Bank, women police stations, women study centres in different education institutions, and a five per cent quota for women in government jobs. She also launched the Lady Health Workers and Federal Women Development programmes. A separate ministry for women’s affairs was yet another initiative for women’s empowerment during her rule. She believed that a true leader must do something good to provide relief to marginalized communities, especially women.

Mohtarma dedicated her entire life to strengthening parliamentary politics. She proved herself to be a champion of democracy by promoting high moral values in politics. On various occasions, she expressed her greatest wish to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. She faced many challenges and hurdles during her struggle, but never thought of attacking national institutions and sabotaging the democratic process.

Her last speech in front of a huge number of people at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, gave new hope to the nation. She was the obstacle in the way of flourishing extremism in Pakistani society.

During my visit to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on December 27 last year, I promised to make Mohtarma a role model for high moral values in my tireless political struggle. I saw the eternal respect and sentiments in the eyes of people acknowledging the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for Pakistan. They were convinced that it is vital to promote tolerance, respect and harmony in the country’s politics to transform Pakistan into a cradle of peace.

Today, it is indeed a good sign for Pakistan that her spouse Asif Ali Zardari is coming into power as the president of Pakistan and her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is also in parliament to fulfill her unfulfilled mission.

I would like to propose dedicating Women’s Day in Pakistan to remember the legacy of Benazir Bhutto and arrangements should also be made to mark International Benazir Bhutto Day under the UN to empower women at the global level.

The writer is a former member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani