By: Agha Siraj Durrani
June, for many, is just another month in the calendar. But for us—the believers in democracy, justice, and the people’s power—it holds deep meaning. It is the month that rekindles memories of a leader whose name is etched in the soul of this nation: Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. She was not merely a political figure; she was a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope, and the voice of the voiceless.
I still vividly remember the day when Mohtarma personally reached out to me while I was settled in the United States. Her request was simple but profound: “Come back to Pakistan. Your country needs you.” It was her unmatched charisma and vision that compelled me to leave a stable life abroad and return to a nation grappling with political turmoil. That call was not just to me—it was to every Pakistani who believed in democracy and dignity.
Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom created a void that can never be filled. Yet, her vision and mission live on. Today, her son, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stands tall carrying her legacy. A young, articulate, and committed leader, Bilawal has shown maturity beyond his years. He has taken the Pakistan Peoples Party forward with the same zeal for justice, the same commitment to the constitution, and the same undying love for the people that defined his mother.
Pakistan today faces immense challenges—political polarization, economic instability, attacks on institutional independence, and rising authoritarian tendencies. In these turbulent times, we are reminded once again of Benazir Bhutto’s unwavering stand for democracy. Her words, “Democracy is the best revenge,” still echo in every corner of the nation. She taught us that dialogue, patience, and public service were not weaknesses—they were our strengths.
Mohtarma never bowed before tyranny. She stood for women, for minorities, for farmers, for youth. Her vision was not confined to party lines—it was a dream for a progressive, inclusive, and empowered Pakistan. Each year, on her death anniversary, we do not just remember a fallen leader—we reignite our commitment to her cause.
Chairman Bilawal, with his calm resolve and powerful voice, continues to uphold her mission. Whether in the National Assembly or on the international stage, he has carried forward the Bhutto legacy with grace and determination. He represents not just the PPP, but the aspirations of a new generation that yearns for a democratic, tolerant, and forward-looking Pakistan.
Let this year’s remembrance of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto be more than a ceremony. Let it be a moment of reflection and a recommitment to the values she lived and died for. Let us pledge to protect democracy, to stand for justice, and to never let the flame of hope she lit be extinguished.
That is the real tribute we can offer to the Daughter of the East.
That is the Pakistan she envisioned.
That is the Pakistan we must build.
