New York – A day ahead of the official anniversary, a group of Pakistani Americans gathered to mark the 18th death anniversary of former Prime Minister **Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto**, emphasizing her enduring legacy of democracy and highlighting internal divisions within the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Prominent community figure Syed Shahbaz, owner of Pak Watan TV and Pak Watan newspaper, along with associates from business organizations, respected Sher Beg, and long-time companions from Coney Island, organized the event at Chili Restaurant.
Notable attendees included Zafar, Mushtaq Ahmad Kamboh, Sher Beg, Farooq Mirza, Qasim Afridi, Aziz Butt, Kali Sahib, Sadaqat Ali Lailpuria, and women from the New Life organization. Despite inclement weather, participants turned out in strength, earning praise from speakers.
The gathering began with prayers and Isaal-e-Sawaab for the departed soul of Benazir Bhutto and evolved into a seminar discussing her famous quote, *”Democracy is the best revenge.”* Topics covered media freedom, women’s rights and empowerment, freedom of expression, and the need for a truly democratic process in Pakistan that reflects public opinion.
Speakers paid rich tributes to Bhutto’s courage, describing her as an extraordinary and fearless leader who never bowed down, fighting relentlessly for the rule of law and democracy from 1977—after her father’s martyrdom—until 2007.
Key Highlights from Speeches
– Mushtaq Kamboh thanked Syed Shahbaz for organizing the program and led prayers for Bhutto’s forgiveness and elevation in paradise. He invoked blessings for Pakistan’s integrity, calling for leaders like Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto amid current challenges.
– One speaker, who received invitations twice, emphasized his commitment despite bad weather and hailed Bhutto as the “daughter of the nation” who was martyred. Though not affiliated with PPP, he pledged support for any vision promoting democracy and Pakistan’s welfare.
– An advocate speaker highlighted Bhutto’s 17 years in politics, her resilience, and her struggle for democracy.
– The final speaker saluted attendees for braving the weather, praised women’s participation driven by emotional connection to Bhutto, and chanted “Zinda hai Bibi, Zinda hai” (Bibi lives forever). He noted martyrs are eternally alive and suggested holding Quran recitations in a mosque for deeper spiritual impact.
Political Undertones
Farooq Mirza criticized internal PPP divisions, stating they are destroying the party. He noted that longtime supporters of Benazir Bhutto in the U.S. community—who were her close associates—now have strong differences with current leadership, leading to fragmentation even in America. Mirza expressed surprise at the official PPP leadership’s absence, suggesting yesterday’s and today’s supporters could unite. He praised media’s role in unifying the community.
The event’s timing—one day before the main PPP commemoration—underscored these divisions. Participants, including dedicated PPP workers (jyalas), asserted that PPP and “Bhuttoism” are not personal inheritance but belong to the people and Benazir’s broader vision.
Appetizers and hot meals were served amid lively, sometimes heated, discussions and occasional disagreements.
The commemoration reflected deep reverence for Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices while revealing ongoing debates within the diaspora about democracy, leadership, and party unity in Pakistan.
