'Whenever I cross Liaquat Bagh, it feels as if Benazir Bhutto is alive': The haunting memories of a park in Rawalpindi
Some people now call it the 'qaatil bagh'. Photo: Dunya News
(Dunya News) – Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh has changed much since the time its foundations were laid by the British.
Liaquat Bagh is now recognised by the grave incidents that took place at different times in history claiming the lives of two of Pakistan’s prime ministers – Liaquat Ali Khan and Benazir Bhutto. Both the PMs were assassinated at this very park.
Some people now call it the ‘qaatil bagh’.
Initially built by the British, the park was set for amusement of the locals. Gradually, with the passage of time, the place became the centre of political activity, including political gatherings and protests. Sadly, with this it also became the ground on which two prime ministers were murdered in cold blood.
Aerial view of Liaqat Bagh. Photo: Dunya News
In October 1951, Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated while he was addressing an assembled crowd. The park takes its name after the prime minister.
In March 1973, ten ANP party members were killed in a firing when they were participating in a party gathering.
In December of 2007, the first female prime minister of the Muslim world, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated during a terrorist attack, which also killed dozens of people.
“Whenever I cross Liaquat Bagh, it feels as if Benazir Bhutto is alive…unfortunately, she is not,” says a passer-by. “It’s so sad. Two prime ministers died here and to date we know nothing of their murders.”
For more on this watch a report by Dunya News below.
