Aseefa Bhutto urges youth to reject extremism, hatred on 19th anniversary of Karsaz tragedy

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari this week urged Pakistan’s youth to resist extremism, reject intolerance and never allow anyone to exploit their faith, frustration or aspirations to promote hatred and violence, saying the sacrifices of the Karsaz tragedy must inspire a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.

In her message on the 19th anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy, observed on October 18, 2026, Aseefa paid tribute to the victims of the deadly terrorist attack that targeted a massive reception for her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, in Karachi following her return to Pakistan after years of exile.

She recalled that hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis had gathered in Karachi on October 18, 2007, to welcome Benazir Bhutto home, carrying hopes of democracy, peace and a better future. However, terrorists turned the historic celebration into a night of death and destruction, killing more than 180 innocent people and injuring hundreds of others.

“Today, I remember those brave men and women with profound grief, gratitude and pride,” she said, paying tribute to the victims whose families continue to bear the pain of the tragedy.

She observed that those who lost their lives were not merely political workers but ordinary Pakistanis, including fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, who believed in a future free from fear and violence.

“Their families carry the pain of that terrible night even today,” she said, underscoring the enduring human cost of terrorism and the need to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their political beliefs and democratic aspirations.

Remembering her mother’s determination in the face of terrorist threats, Aseefa said Benazir Bhutto had remained committed to democracy despite knowing the dangers she faced.

“My mother knew the dangers she faced, yet she refused to surrender to the forces of extremism,” she said.

Benazir Bhutto survived the Karsaz attack, but was assassinated in another terrorist attack in Rawalpindi just 70 days later, on December 27, 2007.

Aseefa said her mother believed that terrorism must never be allowed to determine Pakistan’s destiny or silence the democratic aspirations of its people.

Her message highlighted the importance of preserving the democratic values for which Benazir Bhutto and numerous political workers and supporters had struggled, while reaffirming the need for national unity against terrorism.