KARACHI: Thousands of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers gathered here yesterday to remember their leader Benazir Bhutto, who had returned to Pakistan after eight years of self-imposed exile last year.

While preparing a flower bed and arranging oil lamps, Sherbaz Shayerani takes immense pride in expressing his willingness to lay down his life for the Bhutto clan.

A year ago, he was one of the injured in the Karsaz suicide bombing that killed over a hundred of party workers.

“We were happy that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had returned to Pakistan and went to welcome her, she was not just an ordinary leader. She was and will remain the face of democracy,” said Sherbaz.

Serving as a guard at the Bilawal House, this resident of Kandhkot was one of those guarding Benazir on the fateful day.

“When the first explosion happened we thought it was some generator that had malfunctioned but soon after a second blast jolted us. It was then that chaos ensued. Blood and bodies were strewn all around us as people ran for cover.”

Today, Sherbaz carries the scars of the tragedy on his leg. He also incurred hearing loss, but his commitment to the Bhuttos remains steadfast. “I am willing to do anything to protect Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, even if it means giving up my life”.

Sherbaz was lucky enough to have escaped with his life. But nearly 150 people died. Nizamuddin Sammo was one of them. A young man who wanted to welcome his leader, Nizam, along with his uncle Lala Khaled, also attended the homecoming. Tears filled his eyes when he recounted the harrowing experience.

“As people ran around screaming, Bibi was rushed to safety. That night, I helped the injured and collected body parts of the dead but what I could not imagine was that my own flesh and blood would be amongst the dead.”

The sentiment to protect the Bhuttos and to carry on with their ideology is echoed similarly by Lala Khaled. “Mohtarma gave up her life for us, the least I can do is give up my life for the sake of her beliefs.”

The PPP has seen a change of fortunes since Benazir’s death, and party leaders have repeatedly promised to carry on her work.

Haji Lashkari is a tribal elder and the president of the Balochistan PPP. He says the sacrifices of the Bhuttos and all the martyrs would not go waste. “Bibi’s courage gives us the inspiration to carry on.”

He insists the PPP under the leadership of the Asif Ali Zardari will steer this country to a path of prosperity.

As the crowd started to thicken and dusk set in, the mood at Karsaz Road became very different. All those gathered here firmly believe that Benazir’s sacrifices and that of party workers have not gone waste as the Bhutto legacy thrives on.

The pulsating beats of party songs and the jubilant dancing seen last year were replaced by the mourners yesterday.