Thousands Gather to Mourn Benazir Bhutto on Anniversary of Assassination

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of Pakistanis have gathered to mourn the third anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination, highlighting the enduring legacy of the leader who was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack on December 27, 2007, while campaigning in Rawalpindi. Bhutto's widower, President Asif Ali Zardari, pledged allegiance to her democratic legacy, and Pakistani officials have promised to publicize the results of their investigation into her killing in the near future. The anniversary commemorations were held in several cities across Pakistan, with supporters lighting candles and gathering for outdoor prayers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 3,000 Pakistanis gathered at the grave of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, reciting prayers and chanting slogans to mourn her on the third anniversary of her assassination.
  • Bhutto's widower, President Asif Ali Zardari, pledged allegiance to her democratic legacy in a speech to mourners, promising to complete the five-year term of the government led by the Pakistan People's Party and hold free and fair elections after that period.
  • Pakistani officials have promised to publicize the results of their investigation into Bhutto's killing in the near future, despite no one being charged with the murder yet.
  • Two former police officers were arrested last week for alleged dereliction of duty in connection with the incident, and a U.N. panel issued a report in April accusing the government of then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf of failing to provide adequate security for Bhutto.
  • Commemorations of the anniversary were held in several other Pakistani cities, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where supporters lit candles and gathered for outdoor prayers.

Statistics:

  • 3,000+ Pakistanis gathered at Benazir Bhutto's gravesite to mourn her third anniversary of assassination.
  • 2007 was the year of Benazir Bhutto's assassination, which occurred on December 27.
  • 5 years is the term of the government led by the Pakistan People's Party, as pledged by President Asif Ali Zardari.
  • 4 months ago, a U.N. panel issued a report accusing the government of then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf of failing to provide adequate security for Bhutto.

Sources:

  • Voice of America (VOA):Thousands of Pakistanis Gather to Mourn Benazir Bhutto