Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, speaking at a seminar organised by Pakistan Peoples Party Rawalpindi City at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on April 4, 2026, urged renewed democratic action to preserve the Bhutto legacy. Marking the 47th death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Gilani described Bhutto as a symbol of ideology, democracy and popular consciousness whose work shaped Pakistan’s political framework.
Gilani highlighted the 1973 Constitution as a defining achievement of Bhutto’s tenure that strengthened democratic institutions and provided a federal structure with equitable provincial representation. He noted that the creation of the Upper House reflected Bhutto’s federal vision by giving provinces a meaningful voice and reducing regional alienation.
Pointing to later reforms, Gilani praised the 18th Constitutional Amendment for empowering provinces and deepening democracy. He said the Bhutto legacy includes securing fundamental rights for citizens and expanding political participation, turning the right to vote into a source of popular power.
On economic and defence accomplishments, Gilani recalled Bhutto’s role in initiating the nuclear programme and establishing major industrial projects such as Pakistan Steel Mills, which he said created jobs and strengthened the nation’s self-reliance. He underlined that such initiatives remain central to the country’s long-term resilience.
Gilani also paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto for carrying forward her father’s mission and acknowledged Asif Ali Zardari’s role in devolving powers through the 18th Amendment. He called Bilawal Bhutto Zardari a leader of the youth, noting that Pakistan’s population is majority young and that empowering this generation is essential to fulfil the objectives of the Bhutto legacy.
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf recalled his student days and described Bhutto as a fearless leader of the people who gave ordinary citizens real political power. Other speakers including PPP Azad Kashmir President Chaudhry Yasin, former MD Baitul Maal Aamir Fida Pracha, and PPP Rawalpindi City President Mian Khurram Rasool paid tribute to Bhutto’s political and social services. Gilani concluded by congratulating Mian Khurram Rasool on the successful organisation of the seminar and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s progress depends on empowering the people and keeping the Bhutto legacy alive.
