17 Years On: Pakistan Remembers Karsaz Bombing Victims

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the devastating Karsaz bombing, one of the most lethal terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s political history.

On October 18, 2007, a motorcade carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was targeted by suicide bombers in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of at least 180 individuals and injuries to over 500 others. The bombing occurred as Bhutto returned to Pakistan after an eight-year self-imposed exile, aiming to reconnect with her supporters.

This attack, which took place just two months prior to Bhutto’s assassination, dealt a severe blow to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and highlighted the precarious security environment in the country at that time.

As Bhutto’s truck made its way from the airport to a scheduled rally at the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, two explosions rocked the streets of Karachi, where thousands had gathered to welcome her back. Although Bhutto survived, many loyal supporters and police officers tragically lost their lives.

In the aftermath of the bombing, Bhutto called for an investigation into the failure to illuminate the streetlights along the route, a critical factor that hindered her security team’s effectiveness. Despite appeals for international assistance in the investigation, the Pakistani government dismissed the request, asserting confidence in local law enforcement.

The attack was later linked to extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda and certain elements of the Taliban. Bhutto had previously raised suspicions about several individuals associated with the regime of then-President Pervez Musharraf.

Fahid Mohammed Ally Msalam of Al-Qaeda and Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban, were both implicated in the attack and later killed in drone strikes in Pakistan.

On this solemn day, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari honored the 180 martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy. He remarked that the attack represented a calculated conspiracy to silence democratic voices but maintained that those who aimed to suppress democracy through violence had ultimately failed.

“Martyr Benazir Bhutto was targeted when 3 million people came out to welcome her,” Bilawal reflected, recalling the massive crowd present on that fateful day. He emphasized that the tragedy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave individuals in the name of democracy.

Bilawal reiterated that the dedication of PPP supporters, known as “Jiyalas,” is vital to the party’s long-standing and peaceful pursuit of a democratic Pakistan. He reaffirmed that the fight for a peaceful, democratic nation remains a vision championed by Benazir Bhutto and continues to motivate the party’s efforts against extremism and injustice.

“Dictatorship and terrorists jointly targeted martyr Benazir Bhutto and the party’s central leadership,” Bilawal noted, highlighting the concerted attempts by adversaries to undermine democracy. He pledged that the bloodshed from the Karsaz tragedy would continue to inspire Pakistan’s ongoing battle against extremism, honoring the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democratic values.

As Pakistan reflects on this tragic day, the legacy of Benazir Bhutto endures, and her vision for a peaceful, democratic nation continues to inspire millions. This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges the country has faced in combating terrorism and the lasting effects of political violence on its path toward democracy.

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