CHITRAL/KHAR: The 9th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was observed in Chitral and Bajaur Agency on Tuesday, with the pledge that her struggle for strengthening democracy would be carried forward.

In Chitral city, a function was held at the town hall, where local PPP leaders, including MPA Salim Khan, Mohammad Hakim and Syed Burhan Shah, addressed the workers and highlighted the sacrifices of the Bhutto family for strengthening democracy in the country.

They expressed their resolve to carry on the mission of their slain leader and strengthen democracy for which she sacrificed her life.

In Booni town of upper Chitral, a function was held at a hotel addressed by PPP activists Amirullah Khan, Hameed Jalal, Shahbuddin, Durdana Shah and others.

The speakers said that it was late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who started work on Lowari Tunnel project, enabling the people of this backward district to get modern facilities of education, healthcare and electricity.

They said late Benazir Bhutto also visited the district whenever she was in power.

Later, a rally was taken out from PTDC motel which concluded in Booni Chowk.

In Bajaur Agency, the PPP observed the death anniversary of former prime minister with a pledge to continue making efforts for provision of fundamental rights to the tribal people.

In this connection, the PPP local chapter arranged a ceremony at the residence of Haji Khan Bahadur in Khar, which was attended by scores party workers and office-bearers from across the agency.

The speakers paid rich tribute to late Benazir Bhutto for her meritorious struggle for strengthening democracy in the country.

They said Ms Bhutto was a brave and courageous woman who never compromised on her principals despite facing threats.

They said Benazir Bhutto rendered her life for welfare of common people.

The speakers asked the workers to reorganise the party in the agency. They also vowed to speed up their efforts to rid the tribal region of colonial governance system.

Later, Quran Khawani was also held for the departed soul of Benazir Bhutto.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2016