KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah while paying tribute to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy, said their sacrifices strengthened Pakistan’s democratic foundations.
On October 18, 2007, streets of Karachi ground to a halt to welcome the return of Benazir Bhutto, after an eight-year self-imposed exile during which she lived in Dubai and London.
Two explosions occurred in front of the rallying truck, from which she greeted supporters and party members, about halfway from the airport to Quaid-e-Azam’s tomb, just after the truck crossed a bridge.
In the terrorism incident around 180 workers of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) were martyred in the attack on the popular political leader of the country.
In a statement marking October 18, the chief minister said the day served as a reminder of the enduring sacrifices made for democracy.
He described the attack on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) supporters who had gathered to welcome former prime minister Benazir Bhutto upon her return to Pakistan as a cowardly act.
Murad Ali Shah said the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy had written a new chapter of courage through their sacrifices. Despite the deadly explosions, PPP supporters risked their lives to protect Benazir Bhutto, he added.
The chief minister said the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and that the PPP remained committed to carrying forward its mission.
He further stated that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were continuing the democratic struggle initiated by the party’s martyrs.
Murad Ali Shah added that the pain of the Karsaz tragedy remained fresh in the hearts of Pakistanis.