"I will not be intimidated. I will step out on the tarmac in Karachi not to complete a journey, but to begin one. Despite the death threats, I will not acquiesce to tyranny, but lead the fight against it," Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, "Journeying to Democracy", the Boston Global, October 18, 2007.
On this day of December 27, 2010, as we solemnly observe our leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's third martyrdom anniversary, I an reminded of her prophetic words. In her epic autobiography Daughter of the East, Shaheed Mohtarma began her narration by profoundly contemplating, "I didn't choose this life. It chose me."
As we contemplate Shaheed Mohtarma's dynamic life and its turbulent times, we must recall what value she brought to all the lives of this world that she touched with her illuminating light.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not just a life. She was a life force that ultimately defined the character and destiny of Pakistan and its beloved people. She was chosen by destiny to carry out a larger than life purpose - the purpose of giving freedom, liberty, justice, equality, opportunity, hope, courage, and boundless love to her people.
Shaheed Mohtarma spent her tragically short but incredibly courageous life carrying out this grand purpose wherever she went and in whatever she did. Seldom in world history do we see the rise of such iconic figures whose whole lives are spent in purposeful and courageous action, from their beginning to their end.
My beloved leader's final act of her commitment towards democracy and love for the people of Pakistan cost her life when she was assassinated in a terrorist attack after leading a historic rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007. Her politics represented an unadulterated and courageous commitment for democracy as the most legitimate expression of people's socio-political aspirations, and the most viable option for Pakistan's survival, stability and progress. Her governance spanned path-breaking policy interventions to create regional peace, strengthen democracy, foster economic growth, bring sustainable development and defend human and women's rights. Her life symbolised vision, leadership, courage and devotion.
Today, we can see with clarity the decisive impact that Shaheed Mohtarma's philosophy and action have left on Pakistan. We are commemorating our leader's third martyrdom anniversary in a truly democratic Pakistan that has reversed the tide of terrorism from within; that has beaten economic meltdown and is on the path of growth; that has healed historical national wounds through politics of reconciliation; that has brought together fighting provinces to become a strong and democratic federation moving forward through consensus; that has restored the country's original constitution, making it impossible for another future director to distort it again; that has upheld independent justice; and that has given freedom of expression and choice to each and every citizen of Pakistan.
It is through Shaheed Mohtarma's relentless advocacy, championing and executive action that discourses on poverty and economy equity; rights for workers, women, children, minorities and the marginalized, faith and tolerance; peace justice; and regional cooperation and global unity have attained unprecedented maturity and action in our times.
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