Democratic forces have to strengthen federation: Gilani

Updated at: 1340 PST, Sunday, December 27, 2009 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the life and death of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has become a torchlight for the people of Pakistan because she strived for the restoration of democracy, public welfare, national security and political awareness in the masses. Premier urged upon key role of democratic forces for the strength and stability of democracy and federation in Pakistan. “She was known for her wisdom, vision and love for peace throughout the world and she was recognized for all that at international level. As a matter of fact she presented the true picture of her name and lived and died exemplary,” he said in a message on the second martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Prime Minister said today (27th December) the second death anniversary of the former Prime Minister and Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is being observed with great reverence. He said this day has become the symbol of national grief in the history of Pakistan because the most popular and beloved leader of the people of Pakistan was assassinated on this day. The Prime Minister said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto guided her people with her thoughts and ideologies. When she was wanted for her love for peace and enlightened approach the barbarians, the enemies of Pakistan killed her. People like her are very rare in this world, the Prime Minister said. Yusuf Raza Gilani said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a true picture of democracy during her lifetime and her martyrdom became the symbol of bravery, courage and Pakistan-hood. “It was my good luck and I feel myself blessed that I had a chance to work as her political colleague, I learnt a lot from her and I still get guidance from her thoughts while performing my duties as Prime Minister,” the Prime Minister said. Premier Gilani said the most important heritage she left for us is the philosophy of fortitude. We are trying to solve the problems while working on same principles, the Prime Minister said. Independence of Judiciary, internal independence of Gilgit Baltistan, rights of the people of Balochistan, consensus on NFC Award, honouring the decision of Supreme Court on NRO, war on terrorism, charter of democracy, charter of Bhurban establishment of coalition government in center, the election of the President, Speaker National Assembly, Chairman Senate are such great initiatives of our government which are based on approach the spirit of Shaheed Mohtarma, the Prime Minister said. In the same way, the Prime Minister said, the government introduced many programmes and launched many projects like, Benazir Income Support Porgramme (BISP), Benazir Tractor Scheme (BTS), Benazir Green Card (BGC), Benazir Housing Schemes (BHS), Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS), Re-employment of the dismissed employees, increase salary of government employees and education, textile and trade are the sectors benefitted by the government. Lets pledge to work with an indomitable will and utilize the best of our energies to fulfil the mission of our great leader, the Prime Minister said. He said today on the occasion of her second death anniversary lets promise that we will be determined against the terrorists and will make our country a true reflection of the thoughts of Iqbal, Quad-d-Azam and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to make the homeland invincible and prosperous. This is the best way to pay homage to BB Shaheed and thus she would really be able to rest in peace, the Prime Minister said. He said that May Almighty Allah give us courage, dedication and guidance to serve our country and the nation (Ameen).