EIGHT years have passed since Oct 18, 2007, but the truth about the bomb attack on Benazir Bhutto`s caravan in Karsaz that killed at least 180 people and injured more than 500 remains a mystery as is the armoured truck that saved her life that day.
October 18 is an occasion to pay homage to the memories of those who laid down their lives and suf fered immeasurably in the cause of democracy and fighting extremism. It is also an occasion to reiterate the pledge to fulfil the mission of Ms Bhutto.
October 18, 2007, was a day of jubilation and a beacon of hope for restoration of democracy when Benazir Bhutto landed at Karachi airport and said: `I feel very, very emotional coming back to my country. I have dreamt of this day for many months and years. I counted hours, I counted minutes and seconds just to see my land , to see its grass and to see its sky.
At her reception more than three million people from across the country welcomed her to the annoyance of anti-democratic elements when the Taliban were furious over the great public support extended to the PPP and bombed it, but people stood united like a rock behind BB.
Ms Bhutto called the bombing an attack on democracy and political process. She not only wanted to continue the war against terrorism but also intensify that.Despite knowing the danger, she dared take the risk.
She was larger than life and leaves behind a legacy of resistance, courage and hope. People remembered her as an unmatched woman and political leader in Pakistan`s history.
However, later on Dec 27 she was assassinated at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi while addressing a mammoth public meeting. Today we breathe in fresh air of democratic life because of her sacrifice .
Although she is no more among us, her legacy remains alive as ever.
