Quetta: A grand ceremony was held in Balochistan to mark the 72nd birth anniversary of Shaheed-e-Jamhuriyat and the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world, Dukhtar-e-Mashriq, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti addressed the event and paid rich tribute to Benazir Bhutto's legacy. He was joined by Provincial Minister Mir Mohammad Sadiq Umrani, MPA Ali Madad Jatak, senior leader Sabir Baloch, Syed Iqbal Shah, and Quetta Division President Sardar Khair Muhammad Tareen, among others.

“Benazir Bhutto was not only a symbol of leadership in Pakistan but earned global recognition for her courage and vision,” said CM Bugti.

He stated that the Bhutto family's sacrifices for Pakistan can never be repaid. He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs are the result of the visionary leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and that Benazir Bhutto herself laid the foundation of the missile program.

Highlighting Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent diplomatic efforts, CM Bugti said Bilawal presented Pakistan’s case on the global stage with boldness and clarity. “The world now acknowledges Pakistan as a peace-seeking nation, while India’s aggression stands exposed,” he added.

Bugti declared PPP the only political party that has always worked to strengthen the federation. He said that under Benazir Bhutto’s vision, development projects are actively underway in Balochistan.

Among the key announcements made during the event:

• Launch of the People’s Air Ambulance service soon.

• Initiation of the Saryab-to-Kuchlak People’s Train Service.

• Launch of the “Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Program” for the first time in Balochistan's history.

• Reforms in education and health sectors and continued rehabilitation of flood victims.

• Completion of 8,000 houses for flood victims; key distribution to begin soon.

• NICVD (National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases) project completed, to be inaugurated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

CM Bugti fondly recalled his telephone conversations with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, calling her a compassionate mother, a wise leader, and a true voice of the people. “Her words of encouragement remain a treasured memory of my life,” he added.

“We will repay the respect given to us by the PPP with service to the people,” said Bugti. “This party, this mission, and this ideology are our strength and our future.”

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of a birthday cake in honor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.