By Aftab Ahmad Goraya
Who can forget the coldest evening of December 27, 2007, when the news broke on television that a suicide bomb attack had targeted Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s convoy after her rally in Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi. Before people could recover from this shock, less than a minute later, the devastating news followed that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had been martyred. With the tragic incident of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom, all the hopes of people of Pakistan were extinguished, and she became “Shaheed Rani” (The Martyred Queen) by sacrificing her life. No one could comprehend what would happen next.
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Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto often said, “I did not choose politics, instead politics chose me.” This sentiment also holds true for Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. When a foreign journalist asked Bilawal if he felt unsafe after his mother and grandfather were assassinated, his response was, “I had two choices, either to leave and live a comfortable and safe life abroad or to stay in Pakistan and fight for the rights of people. I chose the latter, which is my mother’s path.” This path is fraught with difficulties and dangers, but it is the right one. Those who accuse PPP of dynastic politics must understand that party’s leadership is not a bed of roses, it is a crown of thorns, which both Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were forced to wear at a very young age due to the relentless pressures of circumstances.
From Oxford Student Union’s presidency to becoming the first and youngest female Prime Minister of the Islamic world, from her struggle against General Zia’s martial law to forcing General Pervez Musharraf to relinquish his uniform, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto demonstrated unwavering determination and leadership. This proves that she was a born leader, whose extraordinary abilities were acknowledged not only in Pakistan but also on the global stage. The world continues to remember her as a bright face of Pakistan and a great and wise leader. Even her political opponents, who spent their lives disagreeing with her, now align with her political vision and struggle. The tributes paid to her by her fiercest adversaries after her martyrdom stand as a testament to her greatness and truth.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a revolutionary figure whose bravery, greatness, and relentless fight against authoritarianism are celebrated both nationally and internationally. Her struggle against dictatorship and imperialism is studied in universities, and students write PHD thesis on her struggle.
In a country like Pakistan, where it is challenging for women to step outside their homes and participate in professional life, her monumental struggle against the oppressive regime of General Zia and establishment backed governments is a chapter of history written with golden words. Despite facing the toughest circumstances, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto never lost courage, never gave up the fight for people’s rights, and never compromised on her commitment to democracy. This is why the world still remembers her as a champion of democracy, progressiveness, and human rights.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto used to say, “Democracy is the best revenge.” This is why, despite coming to power twice, she never resorted to political retaliation against her opponents. Instead, she always emphasized political dialogue and set aside personal enmities and ego for the country and nation’s greater good. Whether it was MRD alliance against General Zia’s dictatorship or ARD alliance against General Musharraf, her belief in unity against authoritarian regimes was evident. Similarly, to abolish Zia’s infamous 8th Amendment and end the presidential power to dissolve assemblies, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto extended her cooperation to the government of that time despite her reservations, ensuring the amendment was removed from Pakistan’s constitution. The historic Charter of Democracy signed with her biggest political rival PML-N, in 2006 is a remarkable achievement, whose benefits Pakistan’s struggling democracy continues to reap.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto held a clear stance on the war against terrorism. At a time when most political leaders hesitated to condemn terrorism due to fear, she fearlessly spoke out against it. During her final speech at Liaquat Bagh rally in Rawalpindi, she promised to free Swat from the grip of terrorists upon coming to power, a promise fulfilled by President Zardari after her martyrdom. Even after the Karsaz bombing in 2007 upon her return to Pakistan, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was fully aware that she was on terrorists’ hit list. Yet, she neither backed down from her mission nor abandoned her people. After addressing successful electoral rallies in Sindh, Balochistan, and Frontier (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), “Shaheed Rani” finally arrived at Rawalpindi’s arena of sacrifice on December 27, 2007, where the cowardly enemy succeeded in its attack.
The coldest evening of December 27, 2007, turned into a deep, dark night. The “Daughter of East,” “Sindh Ji Niani,” and “Kaniz-e-Karbala” was martyred in Rawalpindi’s Karbala. The bright hope for people of Pakistan was extinguished, and nearly 28 years later, a journey from Rawalpindi to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh had to be made once again. From Karachi to Khyber, the mourning began. The journey from “Pinkie” to “Shaheed Rani” had been completed.
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