Bilawal to unveil party strategy on canals at Bhutto anniversary today

• Large number of PPP supporters gathered in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.
• Rally to begin at 6pm, with Bilawal, PPP leaders in attendance.
• President Asif Ali Zardari pays tribute to the services of Zulfiqar Ali.
  

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is set to unveil his party's future course of action regarding the contentious canals project in his address at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh today (Friday), marking the 46th death anniversary of PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. 

A large number of PPP supporters and loyalists of Zulfiqar have gathered in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the final resting place of the late members of the Bhutto family, for the annual congregation to mark the occasion, The News reported.

Many others continue to pour in amid tight security arrangements in place. The central rally will begin at 6pm, where Bilawal and other party leaders will address the gathering.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bilawal reiterated PPP’s unwavering commitment to his grandfather's vision of a "democratic, strong, and prosperous Pakistan," as the party gathers to honor its founder’s legacy.

“On this solemn day, we pay tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the first directly elected prime minister of Pakistan, whose leadership resurrected a defeated nation from the ashes of despair,” he said.

The PPP chairman said at a time when the people were despondent, and Pakistan had suffered a crushing blow in 1971, Bhutto took charge with an unbreakable resolve. 

“He stabilised a broken country, uplifted the nation’s spirit, and set Pakistan on the path of progress. His diplomatic brilliance brought back 90,000 war prisoners from Indian captivity and reclaimed 5,000 square miles of our land through the Simla Agreement — an achievement unparalleled in our history.”

He said Zulfiqar revolutionised Pakistan’s economy, agriculture, and industrial sector, empowering the working class and giving them their due rights. “His visionary labour reforms and land reforms gave the common man dignity and ownership.”

The PPP chief said that the former PM gifted Pakistan a progressive and unanimous constitution, ensuring democracy and fundamental rights. “His contributions to nuclear technology strengthened Pakistan’s defence, and his dynamic foreign policy made Pakistan a respected voice in the Muslim world and on the global stage,” he said. 

Today, Bilawal said, as we remember his ultimate sacrifice, we reaffirm our commitment to his vision of a democratic, strong, and prosperous Pakistan.

In his message on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the services, struggles, and sacrifices of his father-in-law and former premier.

"Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a great statesman, a brave leader, and a true representative of the people. He gave the nation its first unanimous Constitution," said Zardari, who is also the co-chairman of PPP. 

The president added that Zulfikar laid the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear programme and gave rights to workers, farmers, and the oppressed classes. He pledged to continue the mission of the PPP founder.

It may be noted that President Zardari won't be attending today's event in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh due to medical reasons. He is currently under treatment in Karachi.