Islamabad: On the 18th anniversary of her death, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was remembered for her contributions to Pakistan’s democratic journey and her enduring legacy as the first female Prime Minister in the Islamic world. President Asif Ali Zardari, in a message honoring her, underscored her pivotal role in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Benazir Bhutto, elected twice as Prime Minister, stood steadfastly for the authority of the Parliament and the people’s right to choose their leaders. Her political career was marked by a commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution amid a backdrop of exclusion and authoritarian rule.

She championed the rights of farmers, workers, and low-income families, focusing her efforts on expanding access to education, public services, and economic opportunities. Bhutto’s vision of an inclusive Pakistan rejected sectarianism and bigotry, advocating for the protection of minorities and equal rights for all citizens.

During the 1990s, she supported economic reforms and modern communications, laying the groundwork for future connectivity and economic growth. Her opposition to extremism and advocacy for diversity remain central to her enduring legacy.

Bhutto’s life serves as a lesson for Pakistan’s youth to persevere in the face of adversity and uphold justice. Her resistance against censorship and authoritarianism highlighted her belief in the enduring power of truth.

Marking her martyrdom anniversary, President Zardari called for unity and the strengthening of democratic institutions, reaffirming a commitment to her vision of a forward-looking and inclusive Pakistan.