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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers and supporters on Saturday turned up in large numbers to observe the death anniversary of former prime minister and the party’s founder, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, at Jinnah Park.
They vowed to continue his mission and follow his ideals, as well as those of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
A large number of supporters gathered at Jinnah Park, the site of the old Rawalpindi Central Jail where Mr Bhutto was hanged on April 4, 1979, and paid tribute to him and his daughter.
Local party leaders, including General Secretary Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi Chapter Malik Khalid Nawaz Bobby, President Women Wing Punjab Samina Khalid Gharki, President Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi City Mian Khurram Rasool, General Secretary Malik Asif Akbar, Member Central Executive Committee Malik Amir Fida Paracha, President High Court Bar Rawalpindi Saeed Yousuf Advocate and other leaders, were present.
Participants arrived at Jinnah Park in small groups, carrying party flags and shouting slogans. Police and other law enforcement personnel stood guard at the venue and had cordoned off the area around the park.
A walk-through scanner was also set up, while people faced hardship in reaching the site due to construction work on the Kutchery Chowk remodelling project.
The local PPP chapter also changed the timing of the annual event this year from evening to morning. The event began with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat Khwani and sloganeering. Participants also laid wreaths and showered rose petals at the site of the gallows.
Speaking to workers, PPP leaders vowed to continue the mission of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto and to change the system. They also highlighted the role the Bhutto family had played in the revival of democracy and social justice. PPP Rawalpindi Secretary General Malik Khalid Nawaz Bobby said the “Bhutto factor” was a reality and remained an inspiring force in the political arena.
He also described the death of the founding chairman as a political assassination. Other speakers said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was the hope of people facing poverty and other problems due to the “selected government”. Meanwhile, the PPP Workers group did not arrange an event at the same venue this time.
Separately, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed a seminar held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, organised by PPP Rawalpindi President Mian Khurram Rasool, where he paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing him as a symbol of ideology, democracy and public consciousness.
He remarked that April 4 remains a significant and painful day in national history, reminding the nation of the sacrifices made for democracy and the rights of the people. The chairman Senate was addressing the seminar as chief guest on the occasion of the 47th death anniversary of the former prime minister.
He said the 1973 Constitution stands as a historic achievement of Zulfikar Bhutto, providing a strong foundation for the country’s democratic structure. He further noted that the establishment of the Senate reflected Bhutto’s federal vision, ensuring equal representation of provinces and addressing the sense of deprivation among federating units.
Mr Gilani highlighted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment strengthened democracy by empowering the provinces. He emphasised that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto elevated Pakistan’s stature globally, gave the nation its identity, and ensured the right to vote for the people.
His leadership, he said, made the people a true source of power and safeguarded fundamental rights.
Mr Gilani said the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for democracy were unforgettable and that the leadership continued to strive for democracy, social justice and public welfare. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s progress depends on empowering its people and that Bhutto’s ideology remains alive and will continue to inspire generations.
The seminar was also addressed by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, President PPP AJK Chaudhry Yasin, former MD Bait-ul-Mal Amir Fida Paracha and Adviser to the Chairman Senate Mian Khurram Rasool, along with other party leaders, who paid tribute to the political, social and public services of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026
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