Democratic values must be strengthened by following Benazir Bhutto’s legacy: Speakers

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2026) Speakers at a ceremony held to mark the birth anniversary of former prime minister

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on Sunday said that democracy in the country was under

pressure from capitalist forces and stressed the need for strengthening democratic

institutions and values by following the legacy of Benazir Bhutto.

The ceremony was held in Garden Town, which was presided over by Pakistan Peoples

Party (PPP) Central Secretary Information Nadeem Afzal Chan, while senior journalist

and analyst Sohail Warraich attended as the chief guest. PPP Lahore Division General

Secretary Dr. Ayesha Shaukat, Barrister Aamir Hassan and Jahan Ara Wattoo were

among those who addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadeem Afzal Chan termed the Charter of Democracy one

of Benazir Bhutto’s greatest achievements, saying she firmly believed that democratic

forces must unite for the restoration and continuity of democracy in Pakistan. He said

several conspiracies were hatched against the Charter of Democracy, but the people

always stood ready to make sacrifices for democratic rights when empowered.

He emphasized that democracy must continue to flourish in the country and called for

complete freedom of the press and judiciary.

Addressing the ceremony, Sohail Warraich paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto’s leadership,

courage and commitment to democratic values. He said the political culture of Pakistan

Peoples Party was distinct from that of other political parties and recalled Benazir

Bhutto’s unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized segments of society.

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Warraich said Benazir Bhutto safeguarded the political legacy of her father, former prime

minister late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and continued her struggle despite facing immense

challenges. He remarked that her courage, leadership qualities and commitment to

democratic principles remained unmatched in Pakistan’s political history.

Barrister Aamir Hassan said Benazir Bhutto’s life and political career reflected

extraordinary courage, determination and resilience. He noted that her strong

character and commitment to her ideals enabled her to confront every challenge

with steadfastness.

Dr. Ayesha Shaukat said democracy required time and continuity to mature in

countries like Pakistan. She described Benazir Bhutto as not only an accomplished

prime minister but also an exemplary mother, daughter and wife whose life continued

to inspire millions.

Jahan Ara Wattoo said Benazir Bhutto preserved and strengthened the Bhutto legacy

through her struggle and sacrifices. She also recited a poem in memory of the late

leader during the ceremony.

A large number of party leaders, workers and personalities from different walks of

life attended the event.

A birthday cake was also cut at the conclusion of the ceremony to commemorate

the birth anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.