"She was the daughter of a Prime Minister. She grew up in an intensely political family. Her father was martyred. She went on to twice serve as Prime Minister, the first democratically elected woman leader of a Muslim majority country. She, too, gave her life for her country. An extraordinary life by any standard." Keith Bennett, addressing the commemoration meeting organised by Third World Solidarity, chaired by Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie.

A packed meeting and social reception was hosted by Third World Solidarity and chaired by its Chairman the Hon. Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie on 21 June 2026 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.

The event was attended by social and political activists, business people and other friends of Pakistan and of international peace and friendship, and was addressed by a number of those who had known Benazir Bhutto and recalled aspects of her all-too-short life, including Institute Patron Keith Bennett.

Text of Keith Bennett’s speech to the meeting.