Dallas: BB’s death anniversary observed

DALLAS: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) North Texas Dallas chapter hosted 5th death anniversary of ‘the Martyr of Democracy’ Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Regency hotel in Dallas.

Texas senior State House Representative Lon Burnam was the keynote speaker.

The event was attended by all major political parties in Dallas Fort Worth region including (MQM) Muttahida Qaumi Movement, (APML) All Pakistan Muslim League and (PTI) Pakistan Tahreek e Insaaf.

The gathering was also addressed by prominent Kashmiri leader Mr. Yaseen Malik from Srinagar besides Mr. Wazir Ibadat, the former Prime Minister's adviser on Gilgit Bultistan affairs.

Texas State House Representative Lon Burnam while addressing the gathering paid tribute to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and highlighted her courageous struggle for democracy in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistani and Muslim American by exercising their voting rights and through political activism will be working towards the mission of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and this will be a great tribute to her.

He stressed upon political activism for movement against American drone strikes in Pakistan.

Kashmiri nationalist leader Yaseen Malik while addressing the gathering from Srinagar, Kashmir said that a personality like Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto comes in ages. He said he had gotten opportunity to work with her; she was always very supportive of Kashmiris’ rights of self-determination.

He said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto martyrdom is a big setback to the cause of Kashmir.

Former Prime Minister's adviser for Gilgit Bultistan Mr. Wazir Ibadat also addressed over telephone and said that Pakistan people's Party leadership and workers had given countless sacrifices for democracy in Pakistan.

Dallas Peace center's Executive Director Ms. Kelly Obazee said that Benazir Bhutto's legacy is important not only for Democracy but also also for women movement, especially as the first woman Prime Minister of a Muslim country.

She said “Her legacy is a milestone in women struggle for justice and equality”

“we are also striving for equal rights in America”, she added.

PPP North Texas leador Syed Fayyaz Hassan said that Bhutto's are considered Kennedy's of Pakistan, but Benazir Bhutto's life had many more dimensions as she had the courage of Rosa Parks, peacefulness of Martin Luther King Jr. and tenacity of Malcolm X besides being statesmanship of Kennedy.

MQM USA CC member Irshad Kamali while addressing the gathering said that though MQM and PPP have separate platforms but has lot of similarities as both are progressive parties.

KaraKuram Thinkers Forum President Siraj Butt raised the question of voting rights for people of Gilgit and Baltistan.

Dr. Qaiser Abbas from South Asia Democracy Watch and poet Younis Ijaz read their poems in a tribute to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Indian American community representative Mike Ghouse highlighted Mohtarma BB's services in bringing South Asia closer to each other.

Pakistan Society of North Texas Ex, President Dr. Rabia Khan, Uzma Shoaib, Noorjehan Javed, Ghulam Jana, Hadi Jawwad, Aftab Siddiqui, Imtiaz Jan also presented tribute to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and highlighted her life and legacy.

Dallas famous poet Younus Aijaz recited his poem for the day.

PPP North Texas General secretary Akramah Khan thanked the audience for joining the wonderful evening.

A documentary on the life of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed produced by Duane Baughman was also shown on this occasion.

PPP North Texas presented Benazir Bhutto Democracy Support Award to Dallas Peace center for their support for Democratic Movements throughout the world.

The Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Democracy Worker Award was given to Mr. Abdul Latif Mangrio of Tando Allahyar for his passion, organizational skills and working on BB's mission.

The founder President of PPP North Texas Raja Zahid Khanzada presented awards.

Kelley obazee received award for Dallas Peace Center and Dr. Ghulam Nabi received the award for Mr. Mangrio.

Imtiaz Jan recited Quranic verses and Ghulam Jangda offered fateha for Benazir Bhutto.

A large number of people attended this somber ceremony the event continued till late night.