JEDDAH: Rich tributes were paid to Pakistan’s former Premier Benazir Bhutto at a sober memorial ceremony organized to mark her first death anniversary at Pakistan International School (English section) here on Tuesday. Benazir was killed in an attack on Dec. 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Religious Affairs Shagufta Jummani presided over the function, which was attended by members of the diplomatic community that included Pakistan Consul General Zaighamuddin Azam, Turkish Consul General Saleh Mutlu Sen, Indonesian Consul Dharmakirty Syailendra Putra, Saudi nationals and a large number of Pakistani expatriates.

Shagufta read out the message of President Asif Zardari in which he commended the efforts of the school’s Acting Principal Saher Kamran and others who organized the memorial function.

Zardari in his message said, “Benazir lent her voice to voiceless, strength to weak and motivated workers and the people of Pakistan to strive for goal higher than life.”

He said, “The attack on her was not an attack on one individual. It was an attack on the viability of the state and for undermining the efforts to build democratic structures for fighting militancy.”

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in his message called “Benazir a dynamic world leader who boosted the image of Pakistan globally.”

Speakers shed light on Benazir’s contribution in making and shaping modern Pakistan. Turkey’s consul general spoke about his experiences during his stay in Islamabad when Benazir was the prime minister.

Zaighamuddin recalled her association with the late premier during his stint in Islamabad. He called her “a courageous leader who always strived for the country’s betterment and brought laurel to it.” Saher in her welcome address called the slain leader “a true nationalist, an epitome of struggle and a trend-setter in Pakistani politics, who gave the supreme sacrifice for the restoration of democracy.”

Syed Faisal Ali of Arab News, who was guest speaker, highlighted Benazir’s commitment to democracy, women’s empowerment and eradication of poverty. Faisal said, “She decided to return to Pakistan not for her own gain but to give hope to hundreds and thousands of people disillusioned by years of dictatorship.”

“Benazir was a heroine in true sense, a leader par excellence; a charismatic and highly intelligent leader, who lived and died in a heroic fashion,” Ali said.

Earlier, the program started with the recitation of Qur’an by Ahmed Ali Shah, followed by a special prayer for the departed leader. A photo exhibition was also organized showcasing Benazir’s political journey. PISJ Vice Principal Yasmin Suliman conducted the proceedings.