Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari`s 54th
birthday was celebrated on Sunday by his supporters and workers of
the ruling PPP in a solemn manner across the country with
special prayers organised for his slain wife Benazir Bhutto
and the welfare of Pakistan.
Birthday celebrations were held at the PPP`s central
secretariat and other offices with simplicity. Goats were
sacrificed to mark the occasion at Bilawal House, the PPP
office in the southern port city of Karachi.
At some places, special prayer gatherings were organised
to pay homage to Zardari`s slain wife Bhutto who was
assassinated in December 2007.
Zardari, the co-chairman of the PPP, had earlier issued
directions that there should be no festivities or cutting of
cakes on his birthday.
Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Zardari had
issued directions that instead of festivities, prayers should
be offered for the country, the PPP and Benazir Bhutto.
Gatherings and functions held by the PPP within Pakistan
and abroad will reiterate their commitment to democracy, the
party`s principles and manifesto and to the alleviation of the
sufferings of the people, Babar said.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his sisters Aasifa
and Bakhtawar, Zardari`s sisters Faryal Talpur and Azra,
provincial chief ministers, federal and provincial ministers,
members of the PPP central executive committee and
parliamentarians sent separate messages to the President.
Bureau Report
