President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the martyrs of democracy on the 18th anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy.

He said that from that day until her martyrdom, Benazir’s life and sacrifice remained a source of guidance and strength for all those who stood for democracy and peace.

The president said that Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan on this day despite clear threats to her life.

He added that she remained resolute after the terrorist attack at the Karsaz signal of Karachi and continued her struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Recalling the events that followed, the president said that she visited hospitals and neighbourhoods the next day to meet the injured and console the bereaved families.

This, he added, reflected her deep concern for her workers and the people of Pakistan, the Press Wing of the President’s Secretariat said in a statement.

As the nation continued to confront terrorism and extremism, the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy reinforced their resolve to defeat all such forces, he further stated.