Agha Tanveer
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, performed by Mr Azeem Daswandi. Office‑bearers, workers and distinguished guests of PPP UK attended in large numbers, paying heartfelt tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for her timeless sacrifices and services to democracy, human rights and public welfare. At this occasion, Ms Sablina said “This is the month of martyrdom, a tribute to Imam Hussain (AS), his family and other great martyrs. Shaheed BB and her family also laid down their lives while walking the path of truth and righteousness.
Mr. Mushtaq Lashari Chairperson, Third World Solidarity expressed that, “I have known the struggle of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and her father Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for a long time. The Bhutto family and the PPP have always supported labourers, farmers, the poor and marginalised, in my view, the Bhutto family is unique in Pakistan’s history; few examples exist of such sacrifices and leadership.”
Ms. Shagufta Nasreen, Vice‑President PPP UK, paid het tribute that “Everyone knew the difficulties and risks awaiting her return to Pakistan, yet this brave leader remained fearless and declared ‘I will present my case before the people. I am of the people, and the people are in me. Mr Azeem Daswandi said “We pay tribute to this great leader, mother and sister. There never was, nor ever will be, anyone like BB. Mr Syed Amjad paid high tribute in glowing terms and offered a long, moving prayer in Arabic. It specially remembered the martyrs of Karbala, those who gave their lives for truth and democracy, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Murtaza Bhutto, Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto, and all martyrs who accepted the gallows but never abandoned the truth.
Mr Sardar Shafqat (President, Chamber of Commerce) added “The PPP is like a family that embraces every member and stands by them in hardship. Though born with a silver spoon, BB’s heartbeat for Pakistan’s poor, workers, farmers, progress and peace. Mr Waseem Somroo said, she was the first Muslim woman Prime Minister in the Islamic world to earn global respect and prove that women can lead in every field. Mr Mian Saleem (President, PPP Greater London) said “Today I pay tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and congratulate all attendees on her birthday. It was her vision and uncompromising stance that made the Charter of Democracy possible, bringing political parties closer purely in Pakistan’s interest. Mr Mashooq Ali Jatoi (Vice‑President PPP UK & Host) stated, “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave Pakistan the vision of nuclear and missile capability. Mr Azhar Iqbal Baralvi (General Secretary PPP UK & Chairperson Overseas Kashmir Affairs) said that “We learned politics under BB’s flag from our student days and today too we stand united under it. BB was our leader, our mother and sister. We consider Kashmir our lifeline and will never compromise on it. Pakistan and Kashmir are inseparable.” Mr Mohsin Bari (President PPP UK) said “The PPP always follows policies of reconciliation, tolerance and brotherhood. Whenever Pakistan faced crisis, it was the PPP that united the nation. Asif Ali Zardari’s slogan ‘Pakistan Khappay’ embodies this spirit. The PPP remains the only party true to its foundational promise: Roti, Kapra, Makan. Agha Tanveer Iqbal (Deputy Information Secretary & Stage Secretary) concluded that “BB was a great leader, mother, sister and enlightened politician. The story of democracy remains incomplete without her. As the first Muslim woman Prime Minister, she brought Pakistan global recognition and never compromised national interests under any pressure. Her guiding principle was always: Pakistan and Pakistanis come first.”
