These opinions are mine and I swear no one else's
Bhutto assassinated! What next for Pakistan?
Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated in a suicide attack. Ms Bhutto – the first woman PM in an Islamic state – was leaving an election rally in Rawalpindi when a gunman shot her in the neck and set off a bomb. At least 20 other people died in the attack and several more were injured.
Reports said that Pakistan in under chaos now. President Pervez Musharraf has urged people to remain calm but angry protests have gripped some cities, with at least 11 deaths reported.
Benazir was hope of many moderate Pakistanis who wanted to see Pakistan moderate and progressing Pakistan. But all the dreams are shattered now.
But who are responsible for her assassination? Taliban? Or Muslim extremist/terrorist or President Musharraf himself? Ms. Bhutto has been constantly referring that her life is in danger and extremist behind the military are also plotting against her. Her claim was quashed by Musharraf. When her homecoming was blasted with two suicide bomb attack killing at least 130 lives, Musharraf blamed increasing extremist. He suspended constitution, arrested then Chief-Justice, lawyers, human rights activist etc. But released more than 15 Talibani militants in
exchange of his army personnel seized by militans in Baluchistan.
The investigation of Benazir’s home coming terror is not yet over. But critics say instead of preserving forensic evidences which could led to attackers, government destroyed them. So will happen this time. In past also assassination of many Pakistani leaders has occurred. But real culprit has never been brought to justice. So, it is unlikely that this time also justice would prevail. I, myself saw in television reports that many evidences were being washed with water-jets. The crime scene must be cordoned and investigated, but alas!!
Musharraf has been close ally of United States after 9/11 attack. US provided annual 300 million worth military support to Pakistan to fight against terrorism. But recently The New York Times reported that instead of spending money for fighting terrorism, Pakistan is using money to buy ammunitions against arch-rival India. So is Pakistan really fighting against terrorism? Newsweek reported that forget Iraq, Pakistan is most dangerous place for democracy and peace in world. It seems, reality is harsh, but true.
With Butto dead, Sharif loosing his credentials which never recovered, who is to benefit most? Muslim extremist are sure to benefit. The person who could stand against them is now no more. So would Musharraf benefit. He has got another reason to postpone elections, impose emergency and take direct control. He has again got reason to show Pakistani people, “look I am your only hope. I know what is wrong with Pakistan and only I can solve them.”
This assassination would surely impact not only South Asian region but the whole world. Now the world must turn its attention to Pakistani Nuclear facilities. It is clear that Musharraf might be doing his best but not enough. He has lost his charisma among his own military. United States would be number uno target and India would be second. And Nepal and Bangladesh are vulnerable of being used.
But one thing must be loud and clear to Musharraf: May be terror reigns Pakistan, but democratic process must be in track.
Wat ya Said!