The Rock of Courage Honoring the Brave Bhuttoists of the Pakistan Peoples Party
On October 18, 2007, history was etched in blood and bravery. On that fateful night, as the city of Karachi lit up to welcome Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her return from exile , a return that symbolized hope, resilience, and courage, hundreds and thousands of Bhuttoists formed a human shield around their beloved leader. They came not just to welcome her, but to protect a dream. That night, the streets did not just witness her homecoming, they witnessed an unparalleled love, loyalty, and courage that words can not describe.
Despite serious life threats and attack by the suicide bombers, these sons and daughters of democracy stood like an unshakable rock around their leader. They did not leave her.They stood firm, bound by faith, purpose, and the belief that Benazir Bhutto embodied the aspirations of the forgotten ,the poor, and the voiceless of Pakistan.
More than 175 precious lives were lost in the horrifying bomb blasts that ripped through the joyous crowds. But they did not just lost their lives, they embraced martyrdom in the defense of democracy, in the name of a cause greater than themselves. Their courage goes beyond party lines. Their sacrifice is a pride to every political worker, every believer in democracy, and every citizen who dreams of a just and free Pakistan.
We extend our deepest sorrow and everlasting respect to the families, friends, and our colleagues who lost their loved ones. Among those who fell victim was a beloved sister, a true Bhuttoist , whose memory we carry in our hearts every single day. Their sacrifice is not forgotten. It is sacred.
We bow our heads before the mothers who gave birth to these fearless martyrs. Among them, we remember with deep respect, the mother from Lyari who, even after losing her son that night, assured Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that she would give more if needed ,for Benazir for the cause, for Pakistan. Her words echo the undying spirit of a true Bhuttoist, a spirit rooted in sacrifice, dignity, and unwavering resolve.
The tragedy of October 18 was a blow not just to the Pakistan Peoples Party, but to the very soul of our political system. And the darkness deepened with the martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on December 27 in Rawalpindi. These twin tragedies created a void that remains unfilled, a painful reminder of what we lost and what remains at stake.But this is not only a story of grief and sorrow, It is also a story of enduring hope. Those who stood and fell on October 18 stood not just for a leader, but for a vision , a democratic, inclusive, and progressive Pakistan. Their memory reminds us of the sacred bond between people and the leader they trust. They remind us of the price paid for every inch of democratic space we have today.
May the martyrs of Karsaz rest in eternal peace. May their courage continue to light our path in the darkest of times.
Their sacrifice is not just a memory, it is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s democratic painful journey. And we will never forget.
