ISLAMABAD Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday extended a hand of reconciliation to all the political forces of the country and said it was vital that all the political forces stood together to face all the challenges to occur in future. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto I extend a hand of friendship towards all political forces. Let us stand together and adopt a policy of reconciliation, consensus and friendship to face the challenges, which the country is facing. Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Monument here at the Exhibition Ground, Shakarparian, the Prime Minister Gilani pointed that Benazir Bhutto promoted politics of reconciliation and harmony and spent her life among the masses and even was martyred among the masses. Prime Minister Gilani said that in the past the politics of confrontation had seriously damaged the country resulting in derailment of democratic system many times. Gilani also noted the role of the Quaid of PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who also realised this fact and stood by the Pakistan Peoples Party in saving the system. He also mentioned the 7th NFC Award, 18th Amendment, GB Empowerment Ordinance and several other measures that had put the country on the path of progress and prosperity. He said Pakistan has now embarked on a journey to progress, adding that it was not a time of confrontation, as much more needs to be done. Prime Minister Gilani said the slain leader struggled throughout her life and was never deterred by any threat or difficulty and strove for empowerment of the masses. He said the monument in Islamabad was a small token of the love and respect. He said the slain leader despite her death remained a symbol of federation. She confronted dictatorial regimes and struggled for the people of Pakistan and for democracy, the PM added. Gilani also read several excerpts from her speeches on various occasions. The Prime Minister also planted a sapling on the occasion and lauded the Benazir Bhutto Committee for the hard work to accomplish the gigantic task. The event was attended by Chairman Senate Farooq Naek, Ministers for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Chairman Pakistan Baitul Maal Zamurad Khan. The design of the monument takes into consideration the stature of the slain leader and will be constructed over 10 acres. The monument will comprise of Bab-e-Benazir at the entrance and a Dewan-e-Awam. It will have signatures of children and people from all over the country, places to light candles and excerpts from her speeches. Leader of House in Senate Syed Nayyer Bokhari said the central minaret would depict hope for the people of Pakistan and would be located in the centre of a small lake. It will also have 53 glistening metallic pieces depicting her age at the time of her death.