City reporter
London
A special commemorative event was jointly organised to mark the 73rd birthday of the iconic leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, by the Pakistan Peoples, greater London and Third World Solidarity UK. The programme was hosted by Mian Saleem President PPP Greater London, and Mushtaq Lasharie, Chairperson Third World Solidarity.
The gathering brought together political leaders, community activists, journalists, and members of the Pakistani and wider community to pay tribute to Benazir Bhutto’s enduring legacy her unwavering commitment to democracy, and her lifelong struggle for social justice, equality, and the rights of the people.
The proceedings were officially opened by Mona Baig, Secretary General of TWS UK, who welcomed all guests and highlighted how Benazir Bhutto’s vision for a democratic, Mian Saleem, President of PPP Greater London, shared his personal memories of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, saying: “I have known and seen her since long before she went into exile, even when she first came here and studied at Oxford University. We recall those days when she was elected President of the Oxford Union. Progressive, and inclusive Pakistan remains as relevant today as ever. Comrade Akram Qaim Khani also shared his heartfelt recollections, saying: “When we were in Karachi, we stood with her through the most difficult times, including the period when MQM held power, she sacrificed her life with such courage, fully aware of the danger awaiting her upon her return to Pakistan.”
Long-time worker of PPP Agha Tanveer Iqbal paid glowing tribute, stating: “I am honoured and proud to have worked alongside Shaheed Benazir Bhutto here in London for her exiled period and to have enjoyed such proximity with her learning so much from her leadership. He said I also cherish the privilege of spending time in childhood with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Asifa Bhutto Zardari, and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari. Sultan Hayyat, senior PPP leader, shared his recollections: “I spent much time with Benazir Bhutto during her years in exile in London. Even in those difficult times, I saw her working day and night for her workers and her people. Amanat Anjum also paid rich tribute, saying: “We miss BB deeply. How can we forget that Pakistan’s standing today, its missile programme and its nuclear capability, stand as a testament to the vision of her father Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Renowned journalist Javed Soomro, political activist and philanthropist Dr Shazad Qureshi, prominent journalist and China relations expert Keith Bennett, former Councillor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, lecturer, and longtime associate of the Bhutto family Keith Cunningham, Legendary cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz, media personalities Ex Mayor of Brent, Cllr Tariq Dar and Saj Butt All other PPP workers and leaders also spoke in high praise, reflecting on Benazir Bhutto’s extraordinary contributions to Pakistan.
