Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Peoples Party Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his key role in strengthening the parliamentary system and promoting democracy in the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, emphasized that institutions must uphold the rule of law and ensure the dispensation of justice without prejudice. He highlighted that Bhutto's leadership during a challenging period after 1971 helped restore national confidence and initiated a new constitutional course for the country. Zardari noted the Constitution of 1973 as one of the most enduring achievements of that period, which continues to guide Pakistan's parliamentary system. He also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for her continued struggle for democracy during years of political repression, imprisonment, and exile.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, stated that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as a prime minister, sincerely rendered invaluable services for the progress and prosperity of the country and for strengthening its defense. Sharif acknowledged Bhutto's constructive role in the preparation and approval of the 1973 Constitution, emphasizing its key position in strengthening the parliamentary system and promoting democracy in the country. The Prime Minister also noted Bhutto's remarkable efforts to promote people-centric governance and address the fundamental issues of the people, asserting that his political services will always be remembered.