Today marks the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Throughout her political career, she consistently raised her voice for the rights of the Kashmiri people at every international forum. Recognising the All Parties Hurriyat Conference as the representative organisation of the Kashmiri people, she made support for their cause an integral part of Pakistan Peoples Party policy.
Benazir Bhutto's 2001 Visit to India Amid Tensions
Even during her visit to New Delhi in 2001, at the invitation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Benazir Bhutto openly articulated the PPP's position on the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. This was her first visit to India. Upon arriving in New Delhi, she immediately engaged in a series of meetings with India's ruling leadership as well as opposition figures. It is important to recall that this visit took place shortly after the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, in which five attackers were killed and for which India blamed Pakistan. Anti-Pakistan sentiment in India was at its peak at the time. Despite this tense atmosphere, Benazir Bhutto's visit was widely viewed as a positive political development.
Proposal for Soft Borders and UN Resolutions
She emphasised that Kashmir was the core dispute holding both countries hostage and stressed that a fresh approach was necessary to resolve the issue and improve bilateral relations. Indian leaders maintained that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India under the Indian Constitution and argued that no government could alter this constitutional position. In contrast, Benazir Bhutto advocated maintaining the framework of United Nations resolutions while facilitating greater interaction between people living on both sides of Kashmir. She proposed the concept of "soft borders", noting that families and relatives were divided across the Line of Control and should be allowed to meet freely. Such measures, she argued, would foster confidence-building and create conditions under which the Kashmiri people could eventually determine their own future—whether they wished to remain with India, accede to Pakistan, or choose independence.
Women's Empowerment Seminar and Reaffirmation of Policy
The following day, she addressed a seminar organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry. Her speech on women's empowerment received widespread appreciation. The event was attended by Indian political leaders, prominent intellectuals, foreign diplomats, and senior government and private-sector figures. During the question-and-answer session, Benazir Bhutto reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party regarded the All Parties Hurriyat Conference as the sole representative body of the Kashmiri people, thereby reaffirming party policy. Her remarks were met with a moment of silence among the audience. She emphasised that it was in the interests of both India and Pakistan to resolve this longstanding dispute through peaceful means.
Meeting with Sonia Gandhi and Shimla Agreement Discussion
During a meeting with Sonia Gandhi, her adviser and former Indian Foreign Minister K. Natwar Singh suggested that negotiations on Kashmir should proceed in accordance with the Shimla Agreement, which he described as the most suitable framework for a peaceful resolution.
2003 Visit and Continued Advocacy
In 2003, Benazir Bhutto returned to India at the invitation of the Hindustan Times to participate as a keynote speaker at a two-day conference. The other keynote speaker was former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On this occasion as well, Benazir Bhutto met Prime Minister Vajpayee, attended a luncheon hosted by Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, and held discussions with several other leaders. Her visits helped ease public tensions and hostility towards Pakistan that had intensified after the 2001 Parliament attack. Wherever she went, she left a positive impression.
Public Perception and Charisma
Nevertheless, after one of her interviews with Star Plus, a commentator remarked on her bold stance by saying, "She is Bhutto's daughter; one should be cautious of her persuasive words." At the same time, many ordinary Indians believed she was so popular and charismatic that she could have won an election even for the office of Prime Minister of India. During her 2003 visit, she once again reaffirmed her position on Kashmir. Despite differences of opinion, India's political leadership acknowledged and appreciated her political wisdom and statesmanship.
Personal Account of the Visits
I was personally present during the meetings that accompanied Benazir Bhutto's visits to New Delhi in both 2001 and 2003. At that time, I wrote that truth cannot be denied. The impression Benazir Bhutto left on the hearts of people, both at home and abroad, can neither be erased nor diminished. Her life could be made difficult, but the love people held for her could never be extinguished. She ruled the hearts of Pakistan's people, and no law or ordinance could exile her from that realm.
Current Situation in Azad Kashmir and Bilawal's Stance
Today, the situation in Azad Kashmir is highly tense. Following in the footsteps of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari continues to advocate for the Kashmir cause. As Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently stated that if the banned Joint Awami Action Committee surrenders unconditionally and ends its protests, the notification declaring it unlawful could be withdrawn. Addressing the National Assembly, Bilawal expressed concern over the situation in Azad Kashmir, stating that conditions were being created that were leading to shortages of essential goods. He warned that the ongoing unrest and developments in the region were damaging both Pakistan's image and the Kashmir cause. He noted that the issue of refugee seats had become increasingly controversial but emphasised that it was not an insoluble problem. Such matters, he argued, could not be settled through force.
Bilawal's Call for Dialogue and Constitutional Framework
Reiterating Pakistan's principled position, he stated that only the Kashmiri people have the right to decide Kashmir's future. The issue of refugee representation, he said, should be resolved through dialogue and legislation rather than threats or sit-ins. Bilawal maintained that all stakeholders—including the Action Committee, the Muslim Conference, and other political parties—have an equal right to participate in the discussion. He urged that all issues be addressed within Pakistan's constitutional and legal framework. "I want to see Azad Kashmir remain free; I do not want to see it turn into another occupied Kashmir," Bilawal said. He stressed that the matter should be resolved once and for all and that the people of the region should not repeatedly be held hostage to political disputes.
International Scrutiny and Conspiracies
He further observed that Pakistan is currently under intense international scrutiny and that India and Israel are seeking opportunities to undermine the country. According to him, protests that weaken Pakistan's position also harm the Kashmir cause. Referring to alleged efforts by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to destabilise Pakistan, he said such conspiracies could be seen from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and vowed that Pakistan would confront them.
Continuation of Benazir's Legacy
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, as Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and custodian of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's political legacy, continues to carry forward her mission. Holding the banner of her vision aloft, he walks in her footsteps with the same courage and determination. Like his mother, he remains deeply devoted to Pakistan and its people. In Bilawal's leadership, many feel that the spirit and vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto continue to live on among us.
Bashir Riaz is the ex-press secretary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
