The nation is preparing to observe the 18th death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, with solemnity and reverence. The anniversary falls on 27th December 2025, marking eighteen years since her tragic assassination in Rawalpindi.
Commemorative Events Planned in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh
The central ceremony will be held at her final resting place in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana district. The Pakistan Peoples Party, under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, is overseeing the arrangements. Party workers and supporters from across Sindh and other provinces are expected to gather in large numbers to pay their respects.
Preparations at the site are in full swing. The mausoleum complex is being cleaned and decorated. Special arrangements for security, traffic management, and accommodation for visitors are being finalized by the local administration in coordination with party officials. A Quran Khwani and fateha ceremony will be a central part of the day's observances.
A Legacy Remembered: Tributes and Political Significance
Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation, served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan twice, from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. Her life was cut short on 27th December 2007, following a political rally at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. Her death sent shockwaves across the country and the world, plunging the nation into a period of profound grief and political uncertainty.
Her legacy continues to shape Pakistani politics. The PPP uses this annual commemoration not only to honor her memory but also to reaffirm its political ideology and mobilize its voter base. Senior party leaders are expected to deliver speeches highlighting her struggle for democracy, women's empowerment, and the rights of the common people.
National Mourning and Security Measures
The day will be observed as a day of national mourning. The government is expected to announce official arrangements, which typically include the flying of flags at half-mast. Given the large gatherings anticipated, especially in Larkana and Rawalpindi, enhanced security measures will be implemented. Law enforcement agencies are formulating comprehensive plans to ensure the safety and security of all participants and to maintain public order during the emotionally charged events.
The death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto remains a pivotal moment in Pakistan's political calendar. It serves as a stark reminder of the country's turbulent political history and the high price paid by those who champion democratic ideals. For millions of her followers, the day is an occasion to reflect on her vision for Pakistan and to renew their commitment to the principles she embodied.
