The murder of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in a gun and bomb attack after a rally in the city of Rawalpindi has shocked the world. She was killed by bullet wounds to the neck and chest. The suicide bomber then blew himself up. A suicide bomber killed nearly 150 people in an attack on Bhutto on Oct. 18 as she paraded through the southern city of Karachi after returning home from eight years in self-imposed exile. These attacks were probably the work of religious extremists though Bhutto supporters blame the Government.
It will of course be argued that Benazir failed to take sufficient precautions to ensure her security. Nevertheless she argued with some justification that that it was necessary reach out to the electorate. According to Pakistan Peoples Party supporters the Musharraf government failed to provide jammers. These would stymie suicide bombers. Musharraf now faces even greater international odium. This attack reinforces the impression amongst many in the international community that Pakistan is a pariah state. This is most unfair as the overwhelming majority of the electorate is moderate in outlook. Her charisma drove the Pakistan Peoples party forward. She was a symbol of moderation and modernity. Benazir is a martyr for Pakistani democracy.
Earlier today Thursday at least four people were killed ahead of an election rally that Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was preparing to attend close to Rawalpindi. Nawaz Sharif is leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). This attack has received little coverage but is also highly significant.
This is a dangerous time not alone for Pakistan but for world peace.
Serious questions arise:
- Can the Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP) recover from this shattering blow?
- Will the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) unite or collaborate strongly to restore democracy?
- Whilst both parties represent different constituencies can they sink their differences in the interests of Pakistani democracy?
- Could Pakistan plunge into civil war?
- If so will terrorists get their hands on some of Pakistan's nuclear weapons?
- Will the armed forces remove Musharraf?
- Will elections -due on January 8th- be cancelled?
- Was there collusion between some elements in the military and the terrorists?
1 comment:
My mother and I were just discussing this event last night. It should not be forgotten.
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