Rabbani urges PM to name new Islamabad airport after Benazir

ISLAMABAD: Ex-Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani on Friday urged Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi to name new Islamabad International Airport after Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

In a letter written to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani stated that statement of Adviser to PM On Aviation Sardar Mehtab Abbassi that Benazir Bhutto International Airport will henceforth at its new premises be called, Islamabad International Airport. “If this be correct then it is an unfortunate reflection on how we honour our civilian national heroes," he stated in a letter.

The senior leader of the PPP said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a valiant fighter in the struggle for democracy, rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. “She freed this country from the shackles of Zia's Martial Law and finally was assassinated in the streets of Rawalpindi, crusading against terrorism and extremism," he added in his letter to the premier. Mian Raza Rabbani stated in memory of her assassination the said airport was named Benazir Bhutto International Airport. “This is not uncommon, I am sure you will recall that Idlewild International Airport, New York, USA was renamed as John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport after his assassination in Dallas, Texas. A large number of airports throughout the world bear the names of prominent international personalities,” he stated in a letter address to the Prime Minister.

Ex-Chairman further stated that he was given to understand that the move of renaming the airport was at the behest of the certain civil bureaucrats in the Civil Aviation Authority. "This petty act will not subtract from Shaheed Mohtarma's place in history but it is a sad reflection on us as a nation and more particularly on your government."

He concluded the letter stating that keeping in view the fact that monuments and naming of important national buildings with the name of the civilian leadership are already few. “You will withdraw this uncalled for and inappropriate decision,” he said while concluding the letter.