ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari, Sunday, paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, former prime ministers, saying that the struggle of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had strengthened democracy in Pakistan.
In a message on the 58th Foundation Day of PPP, he said that resistance against dictatorship and the restoration of public rights were the historic achievements of PPP.
“The unanimously adopted Constitution of 1973 was a historic gift from Shaheed Bhutto,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
The PPP remained committed to a tolerant and progressive Pakistan, he added.
He said the PPP had played a key role in the stability of the federation and national unity, adding reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir were the other important accomplishments of the PPP.
The president further said that foundation of the country’s nuclear programme was laid by the PPP while land reforms, labour rights, education reforms and social justice were the hallmarks of the party.
“From MRD to ARD, PPP has been the architect of democratic evolution,” he observed.
President Zardari said the Charter of Democracy and the 18th Amendment were also a part of the PPP’s democratic legacy, adding the inclusion of PPP in the National Action Plan was significant.
He said the PPP had always been the voice of workers, farmers, women, and minorities. Inclusion of marginalized communities was central to the mission of the party, he added.
“There is a need to renew commitment to democracy, equality and social justice,” he stressed.
The president said empowerment of women and minorities was a guarantee for Pakistan’s bright future, urging party’s workers to maintain democratic unity.