It has been 18 years since the Karsaz bombing in Karachi that occurred on the return of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The PPP will observe the anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy today to honor the martyrs.
According to PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi, gatherings for Quran recitation and prayers will be held across all districts for the martyrs of the October 18 Karsaz tragedy. Party leaders will visit the graves of the martyrs and offer prayers. No public rally is being held this year on the anniversary.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Zardari paid tribute to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy on their 18th martyrdom anniversary, saluting their indomitable courage, unwavering loyalty, and great sacrifices for Pakistan’s democracy and democratic values.
October 18, 2007, was the day when former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned to the country after years of self-imposed exile. Her supporters gave her a grand welcome at Karachi Airport. Due to the massive crowd, Benazir Bhutto’s special truck took hours to cover the short distance to Karsaz, and then two powerful explosions occurred one after another.
The blasts turned the joyous atmosphere into a scene of devastation. Chaos erupted instantly, with screams and ambulance sirens echoing everywhere. More than 150 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the tragic incident. However, those responsible were never brought to justice.
PPP leaders say that Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on December 27 was a continuation of the October 18 tragedy. Every year, dedicated workers and leaders gather at the Karsaz Martyrs Memorial to pay homage to the fallen heroes.
