About two weeks have passed since the death of the most charismatic leader of South Asia in recent times; Benazir Bhutto. She may have had allegations against her about the misgovernance in the 1990s, but she remains undisputed in her ability to command the best of politics in our country.
Like all other concerned Pakistanis, I pay a tribute to the lady who had enough courage to face the people of Pakistan even when she knew her life was at threat. But, for that she paid a very heavy price. A price which not only cost BB her life, but also took Pakistan to the brink of disaster. After her death, things have not remained even half as hopeful as they seemed to be. In fact, yesterday's horrendous bombing targeting the police officers nearly sums up the game plan of Musharraf. Once again, my heartiest condolences to their families who will have to suffer the pain which will never reach the corridors of power.
Today, Musharraf is no longer the 'respectable' President of our country. He is not even a quarter of the man he used to be in 1999. In fact, he is just providing a glimpse of Yahya Khan and Zia ul Haq as his era comes to an end. He has reached a point of no return where he strongly believes that without him Pakistan will no longer survive. Unfortunately for us Pakistanis, he is doing everything he can to realize the notion. Well, it is disheartening to see another leader losing his way in absolute power. The power which was never distributed in the last 8 years of his rule. Even today, he clutches to the strings of Army as his base to operate from without realizing that the Army is a sovereign institution which will Inshallah always remain. Also it is important to add, that he is no longer a part of this sovereign institution which has protected our country for the last 61 years. He is a civilian President.
After stating the above, my personal opinion is that Musharraf did not orchestrate the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. But, he may have the knowledge of the event which was about to occur on December 27, 2007. He is just another player playing at the hands of greater powers to destabilize and disarm Pakistan from nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, BB was used as a scapegoat to further the 'greater cause.' That is all I would say, as our nation today has the ability to read between the lines. They can no longer be manipulated to further a personal interest of a leader. If the leaders have to prove themselves in this country, then they have to be ready for sacrifices like Benazir Bhutto was. As stated earlier, she may have been controversial but she was a brave lady at the end of the day.
Now looking at the future. It is clearly evident that the President of our country is approaching the end of his era. But, the question is how much more damage will be inflicted to our country as it ends? The amount of damage that has been done in the name of 'Sab Say Pehlay Pakistan' (Pakistan comes first) is truly immeasurable. The NWFP governor which was appointed by our President Musharraf has now resigned. Orakzai, hailing from a strong tribal clan himself decided to move away from what is to come. It is clearly evident that a major operation is about to be launched in Waziristan. This is the solution which our smart President Musharraf has come up with to remain in power. As the political wind in Washington starts to blow against Musharraf, he hopes to woo the incoming President by furthering their 'war on terror.' Yes, that is how far you can go to stay in power.
The Lahore bomb blast is just what we need to create the imperfect conditions for holding 'free and fair' elections on Feb. 18, 2008. Therefore, it will not be appropriate to hold these elections at this time. Well, if they are free and fair then the PPP will easily gain a considerable advantage in the future political setup. But, that would hurt our President who is definitely the most 'impartial' President for at least the last two decades. However, if intensive rigging is carried out to make way for the King's party - PML(Q) - then that would mean chaos all over the country. Already, the United States has highlighted the importance of having free and fair elections as it threaten the unity of the federation. The same threat highlight by Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, most recently. So, all these complications would make the elections 2008 on Feb 18, 2008 a tough call to make.
As far as the end result is concerned. Like every Pakistani today, I am also worried about the future our country's setup. No matter what happens next, my beliefs stand strong that without Musharraf at the helm of power we can still survive. If ever there was ever a need for the silent leader, then it is today.
And, eventually in my view we will come out stronger despite all the odds because Zulfikar Ali Bhutto once said 'Ye Qaum is dunya ka loha banaygee' (This nation will become this world's greatest power). And, inshallah it will become.
