Beacon of democracy snuffed out, says PPP

EXPATRIATES from the subcontinent expressed shock and dismay at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former Pakistan prime minister and leader of the country’s largest political outfit, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Daughter of former premier Zulfigar Ali Bhutto, Benazir recently moved back to Pakistan ending a self-imposed 8-year exile.

Commenting on the demise of his party leader, PPP chapter president, Azim Khan, slammed security provided by the government.

“Regardless of one’s political affiliations, Bhutto was the prime minister of one of the largest Muslim countries twice, but was provided poor security by the Musharraf government despite threats from extremist forces,” Khan said.

Condemning the assassination, he called on the interim government to act swiftly to bring the culprits to justice.

Pakistan is heading into a general election in couple of weeks’ time and Benazir Bhutto had returned to lead the nation to victory over dictatorship, according to her party.

“She was aiming at putting things right. She had plans for the people of the country, for democracy, for the deprived. She was a beacon of hope for 160mn people,” Khan added.

PPP local chapter general secretary, Malik Sarfaraz, described Benazir Bhutto as a symbol of bravery, courage, defiance and someone who stood-up against a military regime.

“A progressive leader, she defied all odds to become the first woman leader of an Islamic country. The daughter of the great Zulfigar Ali Bhutto, she has been snatched from amongst us. The last of the Bhuttos is gone now. It’s a void and it can never be filled,” he said.

According to Sarfaraz, the support that Benazir Bhutto had been generating at the pre-poll rallies had the powers-that-be worried, and now through the party workers were discouraged from attending her rallies, hundreds of thousands flocked to get a glimpse of her.

“It must have been tremendous to fill the shoes of some one like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but she did it effortlessly,” he said.

“I’m sure she disappointed,” Sarfaraz recalled.

A PPP party-worker, Malik Tawhid said: “There were indications from the interior ministry that an attack was imminent, but they stopped short of issuing an advisory”.

“I seriously hope Pakistan survives this. Whole family is gone one by one, but like Kennedy’s legacy, theirs will survive too,” Tawhid added.

Those who were not affiliated to Bhutto’s party also expressed sorrow at the loss of a political leader in a country which lacks mature and seasoned leaders.

Mumtaz Rashid, who publishes a monthly from Doha and talks to a lot of Pakistanis, said: “This is sad, shocking and very disappointing. She was a leader of a huge majority. Her party had won in the past and there were signs that she might have won again while putting the country back on the track of democracy. Even though I have never voted for her, I can tell you that her family has suffered a lot. Most of the family members were killed and Benazir’s mother Nusrat Bhutto lives a secluded life in UAE. It’s a sad end to an acclaimed life.”

M S Bukhari, a long-time Doha resident and prominent member of the Indian community, pointed out that “Benazir Bhutto had officially written to the government of Pakistan of her concerns regarding security arrangements and even mentioned names in her letter before moving back to the country, but the officials paid no heed.”

“I condemn this heinous murder. She was surely emerging as a shrewd and astute politician who could have reestablished democracy. This is not just the death of a great South Asian leader, but a great blow to all who believe in democratic discourse,” Bukhari said.

Another Indian community leader, M I Farid said: “It’s really shocking. Especially when Pakistan is trying to progress. These fanatics, internal forces keep trying to derail it.”

“Something of this nature happening to any one of us, let alone a woman, is not Islamic. Some 15 other people also were lost. Not only as a human point-of-view is not right either,” Farid added.