LAHORE - PPP activists and leaders gathered here at Green Town to commemorate the 5th death anniversary of Begum Nusrat Bhutto who is remembered for her struggle against dictatorship during early years of General Zia-ul-Haq.

They paid rich tributes to her for keeping the party intact during the turbulent time and standing firm against a dictator.

In his speech on the occasion, ex-Information Secretary PPP Lahore, Faisal Mir said Begum Bhutto mixed her sweat and blood to pave the way for democracy in the country. Mir further said that had she not come out to lead the struggle against martial law, General Zia would have been successful in disintegrating the PPP.

Without divulging any name, Faisal deplored that during her struggle against the dictatorship, some party men deceived Begum Bhutto by not joining hands with her for restoration of democracy. “They are still part of the PPP and even today they call her a legacy of the past”, he added.

Ex-incharge Peoples Labour Bureau, Abdul Qadir Shaheen said that one of the greatest contributions of Begum Nusrat Bhutto was that she guided Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to become a great leader and a brave daughter. He further stated that Begum Nusrat Bhutto faced imprisonment along with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto but she remained steadfast against all odds to safe democracy.

Dr.Zarrar Yusaf shared his experience of working as an assistant to Begum Bhutto with other party men present on the occasion. Dr. Zarrar disclosed that Begum Bhutto dictated him hundreds of letters addressed to international leaders to save the life of party founder Z.A Bhutto who had been awarded death sentence under a dictatorial regime.