The People’s Party commemorates its 56th anniversary today, with the main celebration scheduled in Quetta and featuring an address by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Originating in 1967 at Dr. Mubashir Hasan’s residence in Lahore, the party members still cherish the impactful speeches of its founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Bhutto, while preserving the memories of the late Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in their hearts.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto stressed the issues faced by the common populace over the affluent class, advocating for the rights of farmers and laborers. This focus on the people’s concerns played a pivotal role in the party’s popularity. However, the execution of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto under Zia-ul-Haq’s regime marked a challenging period for the People’s Party.
Despite enduring imprisonment and hardships during Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, the party was instrumental in significant achievements such as Pakistan’s nuclearization and the formulation of the 1973 constitution. Following the loss of its leadership, the party encountered challenges, including internal leadership conflicts and competition from other political entities. As the party now primarily operates in one province, the spotlight is on the young leadership’s ability to rebuild the trust of the common people.