Begum Bhutto pioneered politics of reconciliation: President

Paying rich tribute to late Begum Nusrat Bhutto for her meritorious services to democracy, Co-Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said she pioneered the politics of reconciliation in Pakistan by bringing political forces together on the platform of Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD).
"When we talk about reconciliation today, in fact, it was Begum Nusrat Bhutto, who pioneered it by bringing together the country's political forces, even those who were adversaries of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, at the platform of MRD," President Zardari said while addressing a special meeting of the PPP's Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the Federal Council here after the `Soyem' of late Begum Nusrat Bhutto.
The President said Begum Nusrat Bhutto was a courageous lady, who alongwith her daughter Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto stood firm against a narrow-minded dictator and even faced imprisonment, It was a message for the party workers as to why they cannot face hardship when she as a mother of four children could face jail, he added.
President Zardari paid glowing tribute to late Begum Nusrat Bhutto for her unprecedented struggle and sacrifices for democracy and announced that her death anniversary would be observed every year by holding of seminars, religious events and giving charity.
Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also addressed the special meeting of CEC, which was attended by party leaders, federal and provincial ministers and workers. The President said Sanam Bhutto is the last living symbol of a brave father and mother. He said he was flooded with thoughts and memories about Begum Nusrat Bhutto. President Zardari said he as President of Pakistan pays tribute to late Begum Nusrat Bhutto for her struggle and unmatched sacrifices for democracy.
The President requested party members to recollect and put their memories about Begum Nusrat Bhutto in writing, which will be compiled in the form of a book to be launched on her next anniversary. He said PPP was following the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and was pursuing the politics of reconciliation. The President said he wished to arrange a special ceremony at the presidency, where Sanam Bhutto should receive award on behalf of Nusrat Bhutto, who is given the title of 'Madar-e-Jamhooriat'.