KARACHI: Senior leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Saturday called on party workers to remain committed to the party’s ideology and honour the sacrifices of its martyrs, as they marked the death anniversary of student leader Najeeb Ahmed in Karachi.
Addressing a commemorative gathering here at the Peoples Secretariat, Sindh Minister for Labour, Manpower and Social Protection Saeed Ghani said the party’s continued presence and political activity in Karachi were rooted in the sacrifices of its workers. “The survival of the PPP in Karachi is due to the blood of our martyrs, including Najeeb Ahmed,” Ghani said, recalling a time when party affiliation in the megacity came with life-threatening risks.
He noted that the political climate during earlier decades was marked by violence, where PPP workers were frequently targeted. “There was a time when carrying the party flag in Karachi could cost you your life. Hundreds of our workers embraced martyrdom simply for their political beliefs.”
Ghani added that the relative peace in Karachi today was not only the result of state efforts and law enforcement operations, but also the courage and sacrifices of those who resisted violence. “These young men stood firm and did not bow to fear. The stability we see today is built on their sacrifices.”
He stressed the need for organisational discipline and ideological clarity within the party, particularly among younger members.
“If we fail to organise ourselves on strong ideological lines, especially our youth, we risk becoming just another political group,” he warned.
Paying tribute to party founders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, Ghani cautioned that forgetting the legacy of martyrs would erode the party’s identity.
He urged members of student and youth wings to study the party’s history and principles. “Strong foundations ensure a lasting political journey. Only then can you effectively carry forward the party’s mission,” he said.
Referring to the party leadership, Ghani said PPP was fortunate to be led by a young chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and called on workers to support him with commitment and ideological conviction.
Other speakers, including Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, Rauf Ahmed Nagori and Sharmila Faruqui, also paid tribute to Najeeb Ahmed and highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices of party workers.
Concluding the event, Ghani said such commemorations should serve as a reminder of the ideals for which the martyrs laid down their lives.
“The people of Pakistan have expectations from the PPP, and it is our responsibility to fulfil them,” he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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