ISLAMABAD: “Today we pay homage to late Benazir Bhutto over her vision about Pakistan as a modern and progressive state and for her commitment to fight armed religious fanatics from hijacking the state and society in the name of religion.”

This has been stated by former President Asif Ali Zardari on the eve of the 10th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.

“She knew full well that the hounds of extremism and religious fanaticism were out to remove her from their path. She also had the choice to opt for an easy path and not resist the fanatics. But she had a dream and a vision for the people of Pakistan. For the realization of this dream she laid down her life while leading the fight from the front. Today as we pay her homage our heads also bow in gratitude.”

“Such is the stuff of which the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party are made. The party is proud of its inspirational leaders.”

On this occasion we salute Benazir Bhutto and all those who laid down their lives in fight for upholding the values of democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law, he said.

If militants have not succeeded in their designs it is because of their sacrifices, we salute them all. The party will fight the barbarians seeking to take over the state and install what they call caliphate, he said.

“We also pay homage to those fighting the militants as well those who suffered exile, imprisonment and execution in fighting dictatorship,” he said.—PR