On April 4, 2026, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani addressed a seminar at the Rawalpindi Arts Council organized by Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi City to mark the 47th anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s death. Gilani described the Bhutto legacy as a symbol of ideology, democracy and public consciousness and urged continued commitment to the principles that defined Bhutto’s politics.
During his remarks, Gilani highlighted the 1973 Constitution as a landmark achievement of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that strengthened democratic institutions and provided a federal framework for equal provincial representation. He noted that the creation of the upper house reflected Bhutto’s federal vision and helped address regional grievances.
Referencing constitutional progress, Gilani also praised the 18th Amendment for devolving powers to the provinces and reinforcing democratic governance. He argued that the Bhutto legacy includes both institutional reforms and measures that empowered citizens, citing the extension of voting rights and protections of fundamental freedoms.
Gilani paid tribute to Bhutto’s economic and defence initiatives, recalling the foundations of the nuclear programme and large industrial projects such as Pakistan Steel Mills as efforts that created employment and strengthened national resilience. He stressed that these achievements remain part of the Bhutto legacy for generations to draw upon.
He acknowledged Benazir Bhutto for advancing her father’s mission and credited Asif Ali Zardari with transferring powers to parliament and elected representatives through the 18th Amendment. Gilani also identified Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the voice of a youth-majority nation, stressing that empowering young people is key to Pakistan’s future.
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf recalled his student days and described Bhutto as a fearless popular leader who made the common citizen the true source of power by expanding the vote. Ashraf reiterated that the Bhutto family’s sacrifices for democracy remain unmatched and called on party workers to remain united in public service and organisation.
Speakers including PPP Azad Kashmir president Chaudhry Yasin, former MD Baitul Mal Aamir Fida Pracha and PPP Rawalpindi City president Mian Khurram Rasool also paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s political and social contributions. Gilani offered congratulations to Mian Khurram Rasool on the successful organisation of the seminar and reaffirmed that the Bhutto legacy continues to inspire efforts for social justice and people’s empowerment.
