Three streets leading to the posh bungalow of PPP Senator Sardar Latif Khosa in the X block of Defence, Lahore, had been cordoned off by the police.
Benazir says that she disagrees with establishment on the use of force against jihadis. She also minces no words about her nemesis, Musharraf
LAHORE: Getting to Benazir was not easy. Three streets leading to the posh bungalow of PPP Senator Sardar Latif Khosa in the X block of Defence, Lahore, had been cordoned off by the police. Anyone wanting to meet the famous guest of the house had to pass through scanners installed at the main gate of the house as well as the entrance, to be followed by body searches carried out by the private security staff of Bhutto.
Inside was a different story. Benazir was picture perfect. Relaxed on a comfy sofa with a Blackberry in her hand, she was radiant and candid. She minced no words about her nemesis. “Musharraf is a disputed president who had to send home over 50 judges of the superior courts by invoking emergency. He did this to retain his presidency. Keeping in view his lust for power, I don’t think fair and free elections are possible under his supervision as he is most likely to rig them to keep out the People’s Party.”
Talking about the consequences of her power sharing talks with Musharraf, she conceded that the parleys did affect her popularity, however, the talks were meant to get the army to go back to the barracks. “Betraying everyone, Musharraf not only kept his uniform beyond October 15, but also decided to impose Martial Law while declaring it as an emergency. Under these circumstances, there is no justification left for us to hold any further talks with him because he cannot be trusted any more” said Bhutto.
About the attempted assassination attempt on her, Benazir said, “Soon after the bombing, I received a message from a government side saying that it might have been planned by the MQM, although I believe the government and its agencies were involved in the attack.
Benazir says she does not agree with those in the establishment who are opposed to dealing with jihadis with an iron hand as they are Muslims. This argument is being given despite the fact that the jihadis are trying to impose their agenda on the people of Pakistan through the barrel of gun.
“If fighting terror with terror is not an option for the Musharraf regime, then why are the nationalists in Balochistan killed including Nawab Akbar Bugti, the former Governor of the province? While these fellow Pakistani Muslims are being treated as enemies of the state, negotiations are being carried out and peace deals struck with terrorists in the tribal areas of Pakistan,” said Benazir.
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