ISLAMABAD - Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) top leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari yesterday vowed to stand by the oppressed people.

PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that tragedy of Karbala reminds of the universal battle between good and evil, and the importance to always stand by what is right, irrespective of the consequences because the long arc of history always bends towards good. 

In a message on the occasion of Ashura Day, Bilawal said, “Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) is a lesson of courage for people of the world, and Hussainism is another name for resistance for a noble cause.” 

He stated that the lesson of Ashura Day is to challenge the Yazidis of present time and to stand up to and fight them like Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s).

Bilawal Bhutto further said that lessons of courage and sacrifice of the Ahle Bayt (family of prophet) on the land of Karbala is one that humanity can never forget. It is a sacrifice that will be remembered till the end of time. “The grief for the Prophet’s (PBUH) family is still fresh in our hearts today,” he stated, “But this grief does not weaken the followers of Hazrat Imam Hussein (a.s). Instead, it serves as a source of courage and strength. Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) had taught us that no matter how great the sacrifice, we must not waver from our commitment to fighting for justice and freedom. The innocent blood spilt at Karbala, from babies, to grownups, bears testament to brutality of tyranny and the importance to overthrow it.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further said that the PPP had always followed the philosophy of Hussainiyat, standing up for the oppressed. Its leadership has sacrificed its lives to protect the lives and rights of the people and stood up to every oppressor. He added that the philosophy of Hussainiyyat is an essential part of PPP’s manifesto. The values that it expounds are the bedrock of the PPPs mission and that the party would continue to look up to the martyrs of Karbala as beacons of resistance and sacrifice.

Separately, PPP o-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that following the footsteps of Imam Hussain (as), the PPP will not bow down to the dictators of the time. In a message, Asif Ali Zardari said that Nawasa-e- Rasool awakened the human conscious by offering supreme sacrifice for the survival of Islam. By the end the win belongs to those who raise their voices against oppression, tyranny and injustice. Asif Ali Zardari said that the brave are not those who inflict wounds. Brave are those who bear the wounds with patience and perseverance. 

Asif Zardari said that Nawasa-e- Rasool and his companions sacrificed their lives in Karbala. He said that Yazid had suffered a humiliating defeat and that defeat would continue to embarrass the dictators of the time. The sacrifice offered for the truth and legitimacy does not go to waste.  

Meanwhile, Bilawal said the assault of a young woman by a mob at Minar-e-Pakistan should shame every Pakistani.  “It speaks to a rot in our society. Those responsible must be brought to justice. The women of Pakistan feel insecure and it is all our responsibility to ensure safety and equal rights to all,” he tweeted.