ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Ms. Shazia Marri has said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only the first Prime Minister of Pakistan or the Muslim World, but she was also a globally celebrated political leader, who provided restoration of democracy and women empowerment in Pakistan. She expressed these views on 70th birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during a Press Conference along with Faisal Karim Kundi, Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety here in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Minister said that Shaheed Mohtarma’s struggle towards restoration of democracy and her fight against anti-democratic forces is part of history of the political struggle of Pakistan People’s Party which dates back in 1967. Her strong and dynamic role for upholding fundamental rights of common people, progressive thinking and endeavor’s for restoration of democracy and her political vision is recognized and appreciated by the top global leader, Ms Marri continued.

She said on the 70th birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, along with the struggle and suffering of the Shaheed Bibi we also recall the lynching and oppression faced by the workers of Pakistan People’s Party, journalist, intellectuals and the member of the civil society. She reiterated that Pakistan People’s Party pays tribute the sacrifices of its worker and other segments of the society who stood against the oppression, totalitarianism and for the restoration of democracy. She said it was not possible to count all achievements of Shaheed Mohtarma in a single Press Conference, however, her initiatives for women empowerment like, introduction of Women Police Stations, appointment of women judges in higher judiciary and First Women Bank are only few examples of her visionary leadership.

She also highlighted Shaheed Mohtarma’s projects like, Thar Coal Project, Ghazi Brotha and other oil and gas production projects which benefited the local population of those areas where these projects were started. While underlining her global leadership role, Ms Marri said that Shaheed Mohtarma gave a new direction to foreign policy of Pakistan, adding that she believed that cultivating good relationship with neighbours was crucial as we cannot change our neighbours. She played a vital role for revival of SAARC during her era. While recalling the role of Shaheed Mohtarma and Mohtarma Nusrat Bhutto after judicial murder of great Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhatto, the Minister said Nusrat Bhutto’s role during those times of pain and distress was that of a mother of a nation and a stateswoman.

The same role was played by Asif Ali Zardari after the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma with his slogan “Pakistan Khape” means Pakistan first. While lamenting the political immaturity of PTI leadership, Ms Marri said unlike Imran Khan, Asif Ali Zardari did not instigate political leadership to attack state institutions at that time or any time afterward although he faced the toughest of the times any political leader faced in political history of Pakistan. Faisal Karim Kundi, while speaking at the occasion said Benazir Income Support Programme is disbursing 4th tranche of Benazir Kafaalat which is Rs. 9000/ per family.

He emphasised that action is being taken against those elements who are directly or indirectly involved in illegal deduction from or in mishandling the women beneficiaries. While talking about the hardships faced by the beneficiaries while receiving their due amount and long queues, the Minister of State said that partner Banks need to upgrade their system and ensure swift and smooth payment to beneficiaries in a fair and transparent manner.

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