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Tribute to Benazir - Indian news

Satish — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:59:09 +0000

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1142139
Sandy tribute to Benazir on Orissa beach

Mumbai to hold candlelight vigil in Benazir's memory

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The Silent Justice

Muhammad Farid Masood — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:59:06 +0000

As muslims we believe that there is a Power Who observe all the things and do justice to everyone and that is Almighty Allah. The equilibrium of the universe is based on justice. Everything should remain in its justified position then nothing bad shall happen and if we try to make some sort of un-balance in our lives then we get problems.

Ms Bhutto and family looted the nation’s wealth and didn’t return, purchase palaces etc and made improved bank balances by looting the economy, now she is no more. Tell me who will live in those palaces or utilize that bank balance. Although the assassination of her’s is a brutal act but she had the life upto 27th December 2007. I wish killers are identified and punished on the same venue publically where they assassination Ms Bhutto.

Now coming to the authorities who allowed her to keep that money with her with the reconciliation ordinance, and the persons involved in attack on Judiciary, Land Mafia, Sugar Scams, Smuggling of Wheat, Shouting loudly about fake economic strength should learn the lesson and stop for a while and think about their practices.

Some week ago i have written somebody's qoute, and forced to repeat it now:

If you voilate nature's law, you will be your own prosecuter, judge, jury and hangman.

Inspiration taken from Mr Zaheer A Malik

Originally from We have moved to by Muhammad Farid Masood reBlogged

Election, Bainazir Assassination, Roits

Muhammad Farid Masood — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:59:05 +0000

The only option with the nation is that elections are held on schedule already given.

Nation’s Mandate for up-coming Election

Bainazir Assassination – Why Roits Erupted: An Analysis

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Why Riots Erupted After Benazir's Assassination ? An Analysis

Muhammad Farid Masood — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:59:03 +0000

This is not as simple as some authorities are thinking that any one can get rid of the responsibilities in post assassination era by just holding one or two press conferences of making a jumble-bumble of simple information to mis-guide the masses. Doctors can be pressurized to pass on the desired statement, announcement of tapping of telephone call or announecment of three days mourning with a satisfied impressions on face.

Then why such environment was created which hatched the conditions and roits errupted.

Ms Bhutto's assassination is a planned act, and th beficiaries of her death are not limited with the boundaries on Pakistan. Her assassination was planned in Pakistan as to reap far reaching benefits. Pakistan's political and economic situation make a suitable environment for taking such action.

We know people of tribal area, as per their tradition, don't attack women so to blame Baitullah Mehsud or any group from Waziristan. Any why they do so when she was not in government. Current foe of people of the that is President Musharaf who is the chief operating person agaisnt them. Therefore, this factor is eliminated.

We heard a news two days ago the Al-Qaeda took responsibility of her assassination but this proved to be fake. But the underlying meaning tells us that "Is there such kkind of terrorist organization physically exists realy?" or just it is a paper organization to blame all our naferious designs.

In my view there were three (03) persons charged up with this task. One armed with a short range gun, one at a distance with suicide mission and the third one armed and supervising the mission at some distance. If the explosive device fails then to kill the man with pistol. The person with pistol and the person loaded with explosive must be at a close distance that when suicide bomber blow himself it must kill the man with pistol. When the man holding pistol missed shots adn suicide bomber exploded and Ms Bhutto remained stood in sun roof then she got sniper shot from third man in her head.
Ms Bhutto's initial statements against the militancy and the nuclear program of Pakistan could be the reason of her assassination, but afterwards she had changed her strance a bit which is not desireable internationally so it also could be a reason so her killers may be from outside of Pakistan. Days to come will tell truth as she was really a threat to Musharaf government.

This is simply un-believeable that lever of sun roof of her vehile took her life. And mourning statements of ex-MNA Kashmala Tariq of PML(Q) and Altaf Hussain (MQM) are just rubbish.Surely people had that badly that a leader is killed publically but the situation created by the news of her assassination worked as a pressure relief valve for economically distressed nation and gave a chance to loot some money and grains for days to come. So people started looting ATMs and banks and then setting them on fire to eliminated proof of looting. This scenario also created the environment to ignite old enimities as no rule of law exists. Therefore, firing events were witnessed due to that killing many We should not set forth our hopes to get any clue of her assassination, but it is a fact that if there was a rule of law exists in the country such happening could not be witnessed.

Another fact that Ms Bhutto alongwith PML(N) was a real threat to Musharaf after judiaciary which was eliminated on 3rd November to justify one's self to take auth as a president. Now, whoever is the chief of Pakistan Peoples Party, election held on schedule or delayed all parties should contest elections as the game is all set to send army back to barraks. This is how the assassination of Ms Bhutto be compensated a bit.

Originally from We have moved to by Muhammad Farid Masood reBlogged

Grim Twist of Fate for Doctor Who attended Benazir in Rawalpindi

The Pakistani Spectator — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:59 +0000

A grim twist of fate saw Doctor Mussadiq Khan struggling to save the life of a Pakistani leader struck down by an assassin, just as Khan's father had done 56 years ago.

Dr Khan battled in vain to save the life of Benazir Bhutto when she was brought to his hospital in Rawlapindi on Thursday following a gun-and-bomb attack as she left an election rally at a city park.

Khan's doctor father, Sadiq Khan, was on duty at Rawalpindi hospital in October 1951 when Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was brought in after he was gunned down at a rally in the same park where Ms Bhutto was attacked.

Liaquat Ali Khan was also killed and the park was later named Liaquat Bagh after him. Bagh means garden in Urdu.

"It's God's will," Dr Khan told Reuters when asked about the coincidence of father and son attending to two leaders attacked in the same place.

Dr Khan said Bhutto was almost dead when she was brought in.

"She was not breathing. She had no blood pressure, no heartbeat. We did a full resuscitation. We worked hard but unfortunately we could not revive her."

"I did my best but I didn't succeed. What can I say? ...She was a great leader. She was our leader."

In another grim echo from Pakistan's turbulent history, Ms Bhutto was killed about two kilometres away from the spot where her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was hanged in 1979.

Her father, Pakistan's first popularly-elected leader, was executed by a military dictator two years after he was overthrown in a coup. The jail where he was hanged was torn down when Benazir became prime minister, and turned into a park.

Like the government, Dr Khan has said Ms Bhutto was killed by the force of a blow as her head hit a lever on her car's sunroof when a suicide bomber set off explosives.

Members of her party insisted she was killed by gunshots.

Two security officials, who declined to be identified, had also said shortly after the attack she was killed by bullets.

Dr Khan's two sons are also doctors. He hopes there will be no more coincidences: "God forbid it doesn't happen to them."

—Reuters

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How to Bridge the Chasm

Muhammad Farid Masood — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:57 +0000

Assassination of Ms Bhutto was a brutal act of terrorizing the electoral process and for the nation as well. Involved in her death may be not only within Pakistan. But it is to sure that PPP is going to remember the current regime and the ex-ruling part PML(Q) as two of the assassinator till the truth is revealed (if happens, nation have doubts). If free and fair elections are conducted it is to sure that the shock wave generated by the death of Ms Bhutto PPP with PML(N) shall clean sweep the seats all over the Pakistan and there will be no standing of PML(Q) any where. This is what Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari termed as Democratic Revenge.

If PPP along with PML(N) forms the government the following may be going to be happened:

1. Re-instatement of Judiciary on the state of 20th July 2007.
2. National Accountability to curb many things.
3. Reversal of wrong doings with the rule of law.
4. Stoppage of army actions within Pakistan and if COAS do not agree then sending him back home.
5. Limit the role of ‘Somebody’ in politics.

Now time to act accordingly is being wasted by the authorities. The President need to keep hearing from his surroundings but acting in the greater interest of the nation. He is the only person to come forward the bridge the chasm created between the PPP and the current regime by the death of Ms Bhutto. Nations approach is already against the current setup. Therefore, coming forward and offering boldly to PPP that government will leave no stone unturned to investigate her assassination in cooperation with Pakistan Peoples Party.

Government should also announce bravely that whoever is involved in this killing of Ms Bhutto and innocent people will be hanged to death publicly. Create a neutral commission of inquiry comprissing of the judges headed by Mr Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday Government shall not delay elections, and where elections cannot be held due to lack of material or due to law and order situation prevents, elections shall only be delayed there along with surety of transparent election.

This transparency needs not to be vetted by M/s Transparency International as its internal matter of Pakistan. Nation should speak itself of transparency of the election. This will prevent post election agitation, which we cannot bear in such conditions, as already the loss done to this country is higher.

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Election Commission is Playing with Fire

The Pakistani Spectator — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:53 +0000

The compromised Election Commission is playing with fire, as the regime is using Justice Irshad Hasan Khan as a tool. The already hurt People of Pakistan won't tolerate the delay in elections. The meeting of Election Commission of Pakistan on tuesday ended without declaring anything, but the national and foregin media are implying that elections are to be postponed uptill the mid of Feburary.

In the executive committee meeting of PML-Q, most of the lotas have demanded from their party leadership to ask their patron General (r) Pervez Musharraf to postpone the elections. Fazlur Rehman, another idiotic and hypocrite so-called religious leader has also asked for the delay in Elections.

Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of PPP, and Nawaz Sharif prime leader of PML-N have demanded to hold the elections on Jan 8. on schedule. The super power America also wants elections to be held on Jan 8.

Musharraf and its toadies Chaudharies of Gujarat know that if elections are held on Jan 8. it would be sure curtains for PML-Q and for whatever it stands for. They want to take some time, so that the people of Pakistan who have legendary short memories forget the brutal assassination of Benazir and also forget the last black 9 years.

They must remember that memories are not that short, and the delaying tactics to postpone the elections would once again plunge the country in turmoil and deep quagmire, and even US wont able to save them this time.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

REMEMBERING BENAZIR BHUTTO

The Pakistani Spectator — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:49 +0000

It was just after sunset on December 27th, 2007, when the establishment caused very serious blow to the body politic of Pakistan. It was aimed at undermining the sun rise of democracy. It was one bullet which took life of a woman but in reality it was a bullet which killed hopes of the people of Pakistan. It left millions weeping tears of blood.

Like all of the sad incidents in history of Pakistan, this tragedy would also remain un-earthed. If there was little doubt, the Interior Ministry removed those by ‘completing’ investigations in few hours as they released a tape of conversation between Baait Ullah Mehsood and his deputy. It is not difficult to understand how many people believed in the genuineness of that conversation when Mehsood denied having any role in assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

The tragedy would continue to cause sleepless nights and anxious moments for the people of Pakistan for many many years to come. Benazir’s blood will not let the people of Pakistan to be silent against the tyranny of dictatorship. This blood would re-invigorate the nation which has been killed by the dictators.

The grief and sorrow felt by every Pakistani citizen manifests that this nation needed blood in its eyes to wake up against forces of tyranny. Benazir provided that blood. Now this will run in eyes of 160 million people of Pakistan who have to rise at the occasion to save Pakistan. They have to be courageous to fight against the forces of darkness.

Dear Pakistanis! What else did you need? At many critical phases of its history, you did not wake up. You just surrendered before the autocrats. We were subjugated by the Q-Leagues of its own times. We had been slave to our petty interests and kept criminal silence when we ought to speak our heart out. Now a courageous woman, knowing petty well that her life was at risk, went to people of Pakistan to urge them for waging a struggle for restoration of democracy, to restore rights of common man, to ensure safe future of this country. Now she has rendered her blood and life for the sake of this noble cause. Now her blood is calling every citizen to accomplish the mission of restoration of rights of 160 million Pakistanis.

She had been in power for less than five years in her 54 years of age. She could have spent a great life, not less than the status of a prime minister after burying her father and two brothers who embraced unnatural deaths, with her own hands. She should have taken care of her son and daughters and ailing husband but she refused to abstain to stalk on a path sustained with blood. She risked her life for the people of Pakistan.

Like me, there had been many who wrote against many of her policies and statements. But the truth is she was the ONLY leader in Pakistan who was true to definition of the word “leader”. The important characteristic of a leader is that he or she visualizes and makes the followers to follow him or her. The ordinary party heads or important position holders of our country follow the will of the people. She had the capacity to look beyond TODAY. In 1988, she made efforts to have reconciliation with India when she invited Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi. The establishment then termed her as traitor. The same process was accomplished by our military rulers in 2004-05 when they completely surrendered to India on Kashmir issue and still they consider themselves as patriots. Time has proved that the decision of hot nuclear test was wrong and was based on emotions. The nuclear weapons failed to save Pakistan vis-à-vis India as our ‘brave’ Generals fell on feet of Nawaz Sharif during Kargil tragedy and the Nawaz had to fall on feet of Clinton who finally urged India for ceasefire. When Indian Parliament was attacked, it deployed its troops on our borders. Our brave Generals started crying with fear. The atomic weapons were supposed to protect us but the reality on ground is that now we are making last-ditch efforts to save those weapons.

Famous Chinese saying is that transform your grief into vigour. This is need of the hour to honour Benazir’s blood by making efforts to save our country. Bhuttos of our soil have washed all spots on the face of civil leaders by rendering their blood. Now there should not be any excuse that Pakistani nation did not have sincere leadership. This is time to wake up.

Ch. Naeem Sidhu (naeemsidhu@yahoo.com)

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

The Insider Brief on Television and the Radio

Shaan Akbar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:40 +0000

From here at the Insider Brief, we’d like to thank all our readers for this blog’s continued success. In addition to the multitudes of web mentions (e.g. Matthew Good), we recently found ourselves speaking about Thursday’s tragic events on both TV and the radio.

TV: Fox News Channel
On Thursday morning, I made an appearance on Fox News Channel discussing Benazir Bhutto’s assassination and the situation in Pakistan when rioting and violence had just began to erupt in the streets. Click on the thumbnails below for larger screenshots; transcript and video footage to follow when available.

Radio: The John Batchelor Show
Tonight, I appeared on the John Batchelor Show (my favorite) discussing American media coverage of Bhutto’s assassination. My appearance was preceded by that of Najam Sethi, editor of the Daily Times.

John’s show airs on Sundays, WABC 770AM in New York from 7-10pm EST (webcast), and KFI 640AM in Los Angeles from 7-10pm PST (webcast).

Originally from The Insider Brief by Shaan Akbar reBlogged on Dec 31, 2007, 6:37AM

Will the PPP Survive?

Shaan Akbar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:33 +0000

Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated. Bilawal and Asif Zardari, Bhutto’s son and husband, now co-chair the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with Bilawal slated as heir to the Bhutto mantle. Asif Zardari, who has shown some maturity over the last few days, will be playing a behind-the-scenes role, similar to that of Altaf Hussain of the MQM or Sonia Gandhi of the Congress Party across the border. Makhdoom Amin Fahim will be the next prime ministerial candidate.

Bilawal Zadari is a 19-year old with no political experience and questionable Urdu skills, having lived most of his life abroad. Sources have indicated that Benazir had provided a list of advisors who would serve as a sort of council of regents for Bilawal with his father as principal advisor until he was politically able and legally eligible to run for office.

The question begs to be asked: will the PPP survive?

The Short Answer
Yes.

The Long Answer
In the short term, the PPP will ride the crest of emotional outpouring and sympathy arising from the death of its leader and likely emerge as the winner of the next parliamentary elections. But what about the long term? Bilawal Zardari will not be taking on full party leadership for another 5 years. Can the party hold together and maintain its popularity until then? If history is any indicator, the answer again is yes.

Pakistani Precedent. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was probably Pakistan’s most popular politician after Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founder. His name and that of his family continues to elicit a cult-like following in all four of Pakistan’s provinces. Aside from being an impressive orator (just search YouTube), intelligent, and charismatic, Bhutto was the first politician that spoke for Pakistan’s poor and brought forth a populist message. Despite his many flaws, even those in middle and upper class were enthralled with the man.

Consider this: Zia-ul-Huq rose to power in 1978. He hanged Zulfikar Bhutto in 1979. After Zia’s mysterious death in 1989, a decade later, Benazir Bhutto swept elections and became prime minister. Two truncated premierships later and after nearly 8 years in exile, Bhutto returned to Pakistan as one of the most of the popular politicians in Pakistan’s political landscape.

The power of the Bhutto name is demonstratedly immense.

Subcontinental Precedents. In Pakistan, it’s the Bhutto’s. In India, it’s the Gandhi’s. The Gandhi dynasty of India presents a similar story of the power of a name tied with the longevity of a party. Indhira Gandhi, headstrong Indian prime minister and chairwoman of the National Congress party was assassinated in 1984. Her politically inexperienced son, Rajiv Gandhi, then an airline pilot, took on party leadership and became prime minister that same year. He was assassinated in 1991, following his parliamentary defeat in 1989. In 1998, 7 years after Rajiv’s death, his Italian-born wife, Sonia, became chairwoman of the Congress Party which finds itself in power today.

Sindhi’s, Seraiki’s, and the Poverty Stricken. Beyond emotionalism and the sentiment attached to the Bhutto name, there is the simple fact that the PPP has a solid, core constituency upon which to rely. Without the PPP, Pakistan’s Sindhi’s, Seraiki’s, and many of the nation’s poor, wouldn’t have a party to represent them. Punjabi’s after all, have the Pakistan Muslim League in all its lettered variants. The Sindh has the PPP. (Province-centric parties are ultimately dangerous though and only heighten the risk of ethnic/sectarian strife in Pakistan.)

The PPP survived the loss of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. So too will it surive the loss of Benazir.

Originally from The Insider Brief by Shaan Akbar reBlogged on Dec 31, 2007, 9:52PM

In Case of Emergency

Shirazi — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:58:17 +0000

With thanks to ZK

We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Originally from Light Within by Shirazi reBlogged

Suspected images of suicide attacker of Late Mohterma Benazir Bhutto

shaiby — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:57:53 +0000

Government has released expected pictures of suspected suicide attacker of Late Mohterma Benazir Bhutto.

Originally from Buzzvines.com - Have your say about Pakistan! by shaiby reBlogged on Jan 1, 2008, 6:33AM

Condolence message to Benazir's family

stranger — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:57:44 +0000

Dear All,

Originally from Buzzvines.com - Have your say about Pakistan! by stranger reBlogged on Jan 2, 2008, 6:24AM

Pakistan in 2007: A Year of Anger and Angst

Adil Najam — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:57:32 +0000

Adil Najam and Owais Mughal

It is appropriate, at many levels, to start our New Year Post with the same verse we used at this time last year. The sentiment of the sheyr is even more true now than it was a year ago.

Har saal yeh samajh keh guzara hai aye _Saba_
Yeh ishq ki saddi meiN adaawat ka saal hai

As we look back at the events and people and news of 2007, two thoughts immediately strike us. First, there is relief that this year - which has been so sad and tragic in so many ways - is coming to a close. Maybe, just maybe, what follows will be better. Second, if there was any one and only one thing that defined the year 2007, that thing was the manifest anger and angst that defines Pakistani society today.

Anger was the face of Pakistan in 2007.

(more…)

Originally from ALL THINGS PAKISTAN by Adil Najam reBlogged on Dec 31, 2007, 9:53PM

Profile of Bilawal Zardari : Successor of Benazir Bhutto

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:50 +0000

Bilawal Zardari was born on 21 September 1988 and is the son of former Prime Minister of Pakistan late Benazir Bhutto and Pakistani political figure Asif Ali Zardari. Bilawel Zardari is brother of Bakhtawar and Aasifa.

Like his father, Bilawal likes horses and enjoys horse riding. His hobby of target shooting can easily be linked to the passion for hunting that the Bhutto and Zardari clan has. Physical fitness is also an aspect that this young lad is very conscious of and he is already a black belt in Taekwondo.

Bilawal is currently living in in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He graduated from Rashid School for Boys, a school owned by the ruling family of Dubai, providing the highest standards of education to the elite in the country. Bilawal is doing his A-levels after successfully gaining top grades for his GCSEs. He is expected to continue his higher education in the United Kingdom and United States.

He has been appointed as the successor of his assassinated mother to lead the Pakistan People's Party.

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Bilawal Zardari is Successor of Benazir Bhutto

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:46 +0000

Though it isnt officially announced but reports are that Bilawal Zardari will be the new chairman of Pakistan People's Party. In the will of Benazir Bhutto, she appointed her sister Sanam Bhutto as a replacement if anything happened to her, but as Sanam Bhutto is purely apolitical and was also unwilling to take the onus, and Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of Benazir also excused himself of the job, it has been almost decided that Bilawal Zardari would be the next chairman.

It would be little hard for the diehard Bhutto supporters as they would have to digest the migration of PPP chairmanship from Bhutto family to Zardari family, which isnt that much celebrated in PPP and also in Pakistan due to alleged corruption by Asif Ali Zardari. This is going to be more difficult for the PPP, as Bilawal is rookie, and hasnt any idea of Pakistani politics and its intracacies. It would be more complex for him, as bigwigs in the party like Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Yousuf Raza Gilani and Sherry Rehman, and not to forget Naheed Khan were hoping to get the top slot.

Emotionally, for the short run, this decision sounds pertinent, but pragmatically its very much questionable in the long run.

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Hillary Clinton Objects on Benazir's Investigation

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:45 +0000

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York has increased the mounting pressure on President Musharraf by doubting upon his credibility to hold transparent inquiry of assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

In her statement, which came as a shock to the Pakistani authorities, she said,"I don't think the Pakistani government at this time under President Musharraf has any credibility at all." While talking to CNN in an interview, she suggested that the investigation regarding the murder of Benazir should be carried on like the inquiry into the of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.

Though Bush Administration hasnt said anything which would have implied directly or indirectly about the inability of Pakistani officials to hold credible investigation, an unnamed American official quoted to CNN that US administration was "uneasy" with the distrust over Musharraf regime within and outside Pakistan.

Would it mean that US may send teams to aid Pakistanis in this investigation? PPP would love it, while it will place an egg on the face of regime.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Benazir Bhutto's Death ; Skull Fracture ?

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:42 +0000

The Pakistani government said Friday that Benazir Bhutto Bhutto was not killed by gunshots or shrapnel as originally claimed but by a skull fracture suffered when her head slammed against her car during a suicide attack.

Bhutto died while campaigning for the crucial Jan. 8 parliamentary elections in which she hoped to return as prime minister. Upon her return from exile in October, she survived an assassination attempt. She had repeatedly complained that the government of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf did not give her adequate security.

Keep Reading here.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Global Trauma For The Humanity

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:41 +0000

It's a world gone crazy when innocent lives are discarded in senseless attacks like this one. What was accomplished? Who can feel "good" when death, destruction and chaos are the only results? Sad, very sad. Peace has been the goal of the majority of people throughout human history but worldwide peace eludes us. How do we convince the minority that violence isn't the "solution" to problems as they perceive them? Who is brave enough to take the lead?

But would bravery do it? That minority is unable to listen to reason. Its time that we wipe out the scourge of terrorism with full might and with full force. They are not sparing anyone in the cities and village of Pakistan, and its time that we join our hands together to root out the evil of terrorism once and for all. Its the war of our survival now.

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi is shocking and holds a great deal of uncertainty for Pakistan's future. This is a higely devastating blow to democracy in South Asia and Pakistan in particular. The depth of terrorist infiltration in Pakistan polity is very sad. Both the the blowback from Taliban setback and authorities's incompetence have an equal share of the blame.

This is absolutely one of the worst things that could happen to the world at this time. Loss of the paramount of courage in Pakistan is a disheartning news to anyone remotely connected with Pakistan or its people. Whoso ever is involved in the cause of this tragedy has not achieved anything great. In fact one hopes the people of Pakistan have their eyes wide open on the circle of dirt thats polluting their country.

Islam is a peaceful religion and it is so sad that people kill each other in the name of ideological and political differences. Its a global trauma for the humanity.

By Sanam Gul

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A Weekend From Hell

FaisalK — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:18:38 +0000

It is very sad that one of our greatest voices has been silenced this weekend. It was stirring to see the amount of tributes pouring in from around the world on her untimely demise. Obviously she was a person who had put us on the map of todays world in more ways than one.

What was even more horrifying for me to see as a resident of Karachi was what happened after her murder on the streets. Private and public property was damaged and set fire to in a reckless abandon i have never seen in my life!!

Perhaps we have no idea of the destruction as most of us have not been out on the roads yet. Let me give people a clue, more than 1200 cars were torched, more than 20 buildings burnt among which are the shops opposite Ideas Clifton, Railway stations, National Hospital, 200 branches of various banks and numerous acts of looting and pillaging happened. People were robbed on the roads and their vehicles torched, people were beaten up and their cell phones snatched.

Is this how we exhibit mourning for the spirit of a person who was known to advocate "0 vindication" even in her politics? She did not believe in revenge!!! The son of her Fathers killer still is a politician in Pakistan and was so under her government!! Her legacy will forever be tarnished by what her supporters did on the roads after her death!! Are we a nation of vikings? which go around chanting "Blood for Blood" and laying waste to all that comes in our path at being provoked?

I am not discounting the fact that she died fighting for democracy, but if this is the democracy she fought for i for one do not want anything to do with it. What gives people the right to do what has happened on the roads of our country this weekend? is this what we call freedom for the masses???

More than 20 people have lost their lives in Karachi alone due to this reckless violence!! who will pay tribute to them?? who will sing odes at their funerals??

Originally from We have moved to by FaisalK reBlogged

Sanam Bhutto ; Next Chairman of PPP ? Rifts in PPP surfacing

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:17:07 +0000

Family contention for the next chairman of PPP is turning very severe in Naudero. It is reported that though Sanam Bhutto has been appointed as the next chairman of party by Benazir Bhutto herself, but party seniors are not convinced as Sanam is purely apolitical and doesnt know a heck about the intracacies of Pakistani politics, and they are of the opinion that in these testing and dire times, party and the country needs someone with solid political background and standing.

Sanam Bhutto, who initially refused seems to be getting convinced about taking over party command, as she is realizing what limelight that means, but she also would be scared enough. A PPP faction mainly from Punjabis vying hard for Sanam Bhutto as successor of Benazir. Though majority of the PPP leaders from all over the country who are in attendance at Naudero are backing Bilawal Zardari as next chairman and Amin Fahim as his guardian.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Profile of Sanam Bhutto

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:17:04 +0000

Sanam Bhutto is the younger sister of assassinated former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She was born in 1957 and is the daugher of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Begum Nusrat Bhutto. She has two children, Shaharyar Hussain and Azadi.

She currently lives in London and is purely apolitical. But now she has been asked by some PPP leaders to take the onus of command of Pakistan People's Party, and reportedly she was also appointed by Benazir Bhutto in her will, which was written after 8th October.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Last Will of Benazir Bhutto

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:17:02 +0000

Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated last Thursday in Rawalpindi formulated her last will, just after her calvacade was attacked in port city Karachi resulting in the death of 140 people in which she barely escaped. She was urged by her friends and party leaders to go back, but she remained in Pakistan and instead dicated her last well in case she met any unfortunate incident.

In her short last will, alongside with directions about certain family matters, she appointed her heir in the family who she also appointed as her successor in the Pakistan People's Party. She appointed Sanam Bhutto, her younger sister as the successor in the party, but she also mentioned that the ultimate successor in the family and in the party will be his son Bilawal Zardari, and till the time he completes his studies and grows up, his husband Asif Ali Zardari and Sanam Bhutto will take care of young Bilawal.

In her will, she thanked all who supported her and her cause.

By Shakeel Bhutto From Larkana

(TPS received this through email, and cannot vouch for its authenticity)

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Chicken Farm

Dan Tow — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:16:15 +0000

by Dan Tow (with a nod to Mr. Orwell)

To my readers: I wrote the following before the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Apart from my deep sadness for all the people killed, I was terribly sorry that the assassination denied the people of Pakistan their full range of choices in the scheduled election. Assassination is foul murder, and also a tragic crime against the voters, a form of the most serious treason against the nation, when the party assassinated is an elected official or someone who could be elected in the future. I don’t know what else to say on the sad subject, so I turn to what I’d already written, in hopes it still finds an audience. I beg pardon, too, if you feel that the following would have been more appropriate at another less mournful time.

I thought I’d try a change of pace, so I beg pardon from my kind readers; if you hate it, chalk it up to a silly experiment – I’ll get back to straight political musings next time. Today’s work is a simple children’s tale that popped into my head, with no relevance whatever to politics. None. None at all.

There once was a farmer, who raised chickens with the help of some hired men. The farmer wanted to protect his chickens from foxes and such dangers, so he chose some of his smartest, toughest roosters and trained them to be reliable guards, and they were supremely competent, showing astounding judgement while guarding the farmer’s courtyard, where the chickens were kept.

The foreman of the hired men felt he was generally much more suited to running a farm than the farmer, himself, so he hatched a scheme to take over the farm. He gathered some weapons together and organized the hired men he trusted most, and one day as the farmer was returning home from a trip, he cornered the farmer, and informed him that the farm was no longer his to control, that he must leave, if he valued his life, and must not come back.

Although the foreman was very pleased to be the new farmer, he worried; if he could take over from the old farmer, perhaps a new foreman might take the farm from him, so for years he continued as foreman at the same time that he was the farmer. In general, the neighbors found this arrangement highly irregular, and it was the subject of much disapproval.

One day, the foreman, who was now the farmer, went to get a chicken for his evening meal, and he was shocked when the wise guard roosters raised a loud fuss, and wouldn’t let him get a chicken. This was unheard of, and quite outrageous! It was all well and good for the guard roosters to protect the chickens from foxes, but they were not supposed to protect the chickens from the new farmer! It was after all the farmer’s right to eat as many chickens as he wished, and the guard roosters should only serve him, if he asked, and should not dream of defying him!

The foreman decided that such outrageous behavior must not continue, so he hatched a plan. He found some fertile eggs and took them into the farmhouse where he kept them warm until they hatched. He raised the chicks by hand, so they thought of him as their father. Half were hens, and he released them to live with the other chickens, but he trained the roosters to take over guard duties from the old guard roosters, but of course not to have any crazy ideas about protecting the chickens from him, only from his enemies. He still had to get the old guard roosters out of the way, however. He got the help of all the farm workers, and passed around flashing lights and firecrackers to use so that the farm animals would think there was some sort of emergency. Using these, he was able to chase the old guard roosters into their little homes, where he locked them up. Even cooped up, he was afraid they might cause trouble, so he covered their little homes in blankets so that the neighbors and the other chickens could not hear their crows of protest.

The foreman found the new arrangement much more to his liking – pet guard roosters who were supremely cooperative, and quite courtly in their loyalty toward him, and no trouble arranging a fine chicken dinner every evening. His pet roosters found the arrangement delightful, too. They even enjoyed licking the juices from the foreman’s plate each evening after he finished his dinner. In their judgment, he was the best father a rooster could have, and they swore eternal loyalty to him. They little suspected that if they should cease to be useful to the foreman, he would happily add them to his evening meal’s pot along with their cousins, since to him they were just temporarily useful poultry, not his sons at all, as they imagined.

I have not yet learned what happened next, but I heard an interesting rumor that the chickens on this farm turned out to be no ordinary chickens. In fact, they were as wise as men, as capable as men in every way, and even with the old guard roosters locked away, their example was not lost on their cousins. They all yearned to live lives such as they would choose for themselves, in freedom and safety, and their determination appeared to be quite unstoppable.

Originally from We have moved to by Dan Tow reBlogged

Update on PPP Central Executive Committee : PPP will participate in Elections

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:15:45 +0000

PPP's Central Executive Committee meeting is underway under the presidency of Makhdoom Amin Fahim in Naudero. All the top leadership of PPP is present there. It has been decided there that PPP will take part in the elections.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Update on PPP Central Executive Committee : Bilawal Zardari Becomes New Chairman of PPP

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:15:44 +0000

According to the latest reports, Bilawal Zardari gets the chairman ship of PPP. Asif Ali Zardari read the last will of Benazir Bhutto.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Update on PPP Central Executive Committee : Advisory Committee for new chairman

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:15:43 +0000

Bilawal Zardari will be the new chairman of PPP, and Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Asif Ali Zardari and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be his senior advisors.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Update on PPP Central Executive Committee : Asif Zardari Becomes Joint Chairman of PPP

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:15:41 +0000

The CEC of PPP has decided that alongside with the newly appointed chairman Bilawal Zardari, Asif Zardari will act as joint chairman. As Bilawal is too young, and still he has to purue his study for years to come, it would mean that basically Asif will run the affairs of the party.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Says Democracy is Best Revenge

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:15:40 +0000

In his first appearance before the world's media, in a clipped and groomed English Accent, Bilawal Zardari became Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and he reassured the people of Pakistan that he will symbolize as the national icon, and he will act as a chain between all the provinces. In his speech, he also paid homage to his mother, and he also outlined the party line.

Asif Ali Zardari spoke very well. He rejected the govrnment investigation, and he demanded an international inquiry. He termed PML-Q the Musharraf loyalist party is "Qatil League" or "Murderer League", and he urged this workers to remain calm, and he blamed miscreants on taking advantage of the protests.

Makdoom Amin told media that Asif Zardari was appointed as the chairman of the PPP in the will of late BB, but Asif appointed his son Bilawal for the job.

PPP will take part in elections and they also have sent a request to Nawaz Sharif to take back his boycott decision.

Makhdoom Amin Fahim would be the candidate of PPP for the Prime Minister.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Why Riots Erupted After Benazir's Assassination ? An Analysis

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:14:06 +0000

This is not as simple as some authorities are thinkging that any one can get rid of the responsibilities in post assassination era by just holding one or two press conferences of making a jumble-bumble of simple information to mis-guide the masses. Doctors can be pressurized to pass on the desired statement, announcement of tapping of telephone call or announecment of three days mourning with a satisfied impressions on face.

Then why such environment was created which hatched the conditions and roits errupted.

Ms Bhutto's assassination is a planned act, and th beficiaries of her death are not limited with the boundaries on Pakistan. Her assassination was planned in Pakistan as to reap far reaching benefits. Pakistan's political and economic situation make a suitable environment for taking such action.

We know people of tribal area, as per their tradition, don't attack women so to blame Baitullah Mehsud or any group from Waziristan. Any why they do so when she was not in government. Current foe of people of the that is President Musharaf who is the chief operating person agaisnt them. Therefore, this factor is eliminated.

We heard a news two days ago the Al-Qaeda took responsibility of her assassination but this proved to be fake. But the underlying meaning tells us that "Is there such kkind of terrorist organization physically exists realy?" or just it is a paper organization to blame all our naferious designs.

In my view there were three (03) persons charged up with this task. One armed with a short range gun, one at a distance with suicide mission and the third one armed and supervising the mission at some distance. If the explosive device fails then to kill the man with pistol. The person with pistol and the person loaded with explosive must be at a close distance that when suicide bomber blow himself it must kill the man with pistol. When the man holding pistol missed shots adn suicide bomber exploded and Ms Bhutto remained stood in sun roof then she got sniper shot from third man in her head.

Ms Bhutto's initial statements against the militancy and the nuclear program of Pakistan could be the reason of her assassination, but afterwards she had changed her strance a bit which is not desireable internationally so it also could be a reason so her killers may be from outside of Pakistan. Days to come will tell truth as she was really a threat to Musharaf government.

This is simply un-believeable that lever of sun roof of her vehile took her life. And mourning statements of ex-MNA Kashmala Tariq of PML(Q) and Altaf Hussain (MQM) are just rubbish.Surely people had that badly that a leader is killed publically but the situation created by the news of her assassination worked as a pressure relief valve for economically distressed nation and gave a chance to loot some money and grains for days to come. So people started looting ATMs and banks and then setting them on fire to eliminated proof of looting. This scenario also created the environment to ignite old enimities as no rule of law exists. Therefore, firing events were witnessed due to that killing many We should not set forth our hopes to get any clue of her assassination, but it is a fact that if there was a rule of law exists in the country such happening could not be witnessed.

Another fact that Ms Bhutto alongwith PML(N) was a real threat to Musharaf after judiaciary which was eliminated on 3rd November to justify one's self to take auth as a president. Now, whoever is the chief of Pakistan Peoples Party, election held on schedule or delayed all parties should contest elections as the game is all set to send army back to barraks. This is how the assassination of Ms Bhutto be compensated a bit.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

Was the Bahawalnagar Blasts were really Suicidal?

The Pakistani Spectator — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:14:04 +0000

If you know Pakistan, then you are more than sure to know that Bahawalnagar area is in the Godforsaken country, and even the villages there are hours away from each other. Thats probably one of the most under-developed area of Pakistan having no industry, no proper infrastructure, and nothing worthwhile to blowup.

It is reported that two suicide bombers were killed when a device exploded before time, and the only victims were the bombers themselves. Its more than likely a plan to divert the attention, and it just didnt swell and rather backfired. Its morbidly funny to think that what in the hell those suicide bombers were doing in that remote area? Were they escaping from the terrorists who sent them? If that was the case, then why in the hell they didnt dispose off the payload?

Weird people, these suicide bombers are.

Originally from We have moved to by The Pakistani Spectator reBlogged

So who killed Bhutto, again??

aMmAr — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:13:58 +0000

Blame Al-Qaeda! How convenient is that? Maybe the next time when the cookie jar will be empty; little Tommy will do the same. Blame Al-Qaeda, Mahsood etc. So who killed Bhutto?

The picture that was taken by ‘some’ amateur photographer explains it all. The man in the glasses is the shooter, as he is holding the gun in the second picture. And in the third picture you can’t see Ms.Bhutto. The third photo was taken seconds before the suicide attack. According to Dawn sources the amateur photographer also pointed out the man in the first picture whose face is half covered and is standing right behind the shooter. He is the suicide bomber.

In countries where authorities themselves aren’t responsible for suicide killings and mass murdering; evidences are not washed away. The man who killed Liaqat Ali Khan (first PM of Pakistan) was immediately shot by a police inspector without any attempt of arrest. No body saw Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos dead body, he was buried by men in uniform and then army men sprayed his grave with some solution to put an end for any further investigation. In this case the authorities washed the place with the help of a fire brigade, just few hours after the incident. No fire brigade showed up in any other part of the country where factories, houses, offices, cars and other public property were set on fire.

The picture that was published in today’s Dawn proves the fact that it was neither a suicide bomb nor the lever of her car, that killed the ex prime Minister.

So why did Pervaiz Musharraf’s (Government) spokes man came up with a phony tale?

For obvious reasons;

Benazir Bhutto was the most popular leader of Pakistan.
Her Prime minister ship could have put a halt on army intervention once and for all.
She was a symbol of anti establishment.
Establishment can fall to any degree to achieve its targets.

If we look at the course of events and how they turned out, it appears to be all scripted. The citizens of the country were forced to live in a war zone. We are all helpless. If the Govt. can’t protect its citizens in emergency situations then what is the need of such a Govt. If you ask me who benefited from Benazir’s death the most? Its Musharraf and establishment, with Benazir in command he saw his end nearer. The only support that he had was from USA and even they found his replacement.

Originally from We have moved to by aMmAr reBlogged

CMKP Condemns Bhutto’s Assassination

Vidrohi — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:13:36 +0000

Originally from Red Diary by Vidrohi reBlogged on Dec 30, 2007, 4:55AM

Pakistan’s flawed and feudal princess by William Dalrymple

hakim — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:13:25 +0000

It’s wrong for the West simply to mourn Benazir Bhutto as a martyred democrat, says this acclaimed south Asia expert. Her legacy is far murkier and more complex (Courtesy: Guardian)

William Dalrymple
Sunday December 30, 2007
The Observer

One of Benazir Bhutto’s more dubious legacies to Pakistan is the Prime Minister’s house in the middle of Islamabad. The building is a giddy, pseudo-Mexican ranch house with white walls and a red tile roof. There is nothing remotely Islamic about the building which, as my minder said when I went there to interview the then Prime Minister Bhutto, was ‘PM’s own design’. Inside, it was the same story. Crystal chandeliers dangled sometimes two or three to a room; oils of sunflowers and tumbling kittens that would have looked at home on the Hyde Park railings hung below garishly gilt cornices.

Originally from MicroPakistan by hakim reBlogged

Benazir shot ?

Momekh — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:13:02 +0000

Momekh:

Video of the shots fired at Benazir

Comments (7)

Comments on this Entry:

(johny on Dec 29, 2007 10:09 PM) IT SEEMS THAT FIRST THE SHORTS WERE FIRED BY THE ASSASIN AND THEN SOMEONE GOT RID OF HIM (THE ASSASIN) TO LEAVE NO TRACE.

(binary-zero on Dec 30, 2007 12:44 AM) Johny, does make sense but no one will never know - they made sure to wipe the crime sceen in next 2 hours of blast so that even FBI is called they won't find any traces.

(Pretty Simple on Dec 30, 2007 1:48 AM) was it a Kennedy style murder???

(fozia bhatti on Jan 1, 2008 11:51 AM) Another woman destroyed just for the convenience of the bastard hypocrite men in Pakistan. She was a mother,a wife ,a political icon who courageously lead a fight for democracy and in spite of her valiant efforts to restore dignity and democracy to her beloved country ,she was bruttally murdered in ful view of thousands of her loyal followers. I ask where is the humanity? where is the justice in a world sop cold and callous it kills for convenience and slaughters the innocent for personal gains. Pakistan is being brutally gang raped by the dictator and terrorist gen pervez musharaf and his goons and all we can do is standby and watch like a bunch of cowards as they rip off its clothes and destroy its last shreds of dignity. Sadness and darkness...are the current order of the day. Who will save my PAKISTAN?

(fozia bhatti on Jan 1, 2008 11:53 AM) Another woman destroyed just for the convenience of the bastard hypocrite men in Pakistan. She was a mother,a wife ,a political icon who courageously lead a fight for democracy and in spite of her valiant efforts to restore dignity and democracy to her beloved country ,she was brutally murdered in fulL view of thousands of her loyal followers. I ask where is the humanity? where is the justice in a world so cold and callous it kills for convenience and slaughters the innocent for personal gains. Pakistan is being brutally gang raped by the dictator and terrorist gen pervez musharaf and his goons and all we can do is standby and watch like a bunch of cowards as they rip off its clothes and destroy its last shreds of dignity. Sadness and darkness...are the current order of the day. Who will save my PAKISTAN?

(OpenEyes on Jan 1, 2008 5:08 PM) who is "GORBACHAUF OF PAKISTAN" ??? ... in Zardari's speech at CEC Press conference, naudero. Are they MUSHARAF, TARIQ AZEEM, TARIQ AZIZ etc.

This content is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works License. Some rights reserved. This work is provided for personal use only.

Originally from Lahore Metblogs by Momekh reBlogged on Dec 31, 1969, 7:00PM

Jan. 8 Elections postponed

|eemz — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:12:46 +0000

|eemz:

The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced to postpone the Jan. 8, 2008 National and Provincial assembly elections in view of the sensitive situation in the country after the death of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Apart from that another Provincial candidate Asfand yar Aameer Zaib, Walee-a-Sawat was killed in a bomb blast Friday. New date for the elections will be announced tomorrow after a meeting with government and security officials.

In some places, the commission said, the security situation was "not conducive" to holding the elections on Jan 8. "Election Commission offices in nine districts have been set on fire, leaving electoral rolls reduced to ashes."

And Pakistan People Party has decided to participate in the Jan 8 elections, their candidates will participate in the upcoming elections, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the Chairperson.

Comments (5)

Comments on this Entry:

(JayJay on Dec 31, 2007 8:16 AM) Have they? I thought EC will meet today to decide or is it a prophesy?

(check_your_facts on Dec 31, 2007 10:59 PM) "The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced to postpone the Jan. 8, 2008 National and Provincial assembly elections." Source please!!! Is there any moral responsibility of bloggers not to spread lies???

(Momekh on Jan 1, 2008 11:23 PM) this guy here is asking for sources, and then without waiting for it, has casually passed a remark about bloggers spreading lies. Dude, before blurting out like this, you ought to check for yourself 'as well'!! Google is always nearby when you are on your PC, no? This is all over the news now. And when this was posted, it was confirmed at that time as well.

(JayJay on Jan 2, 2008 12:24 PM) EC is yet to make decision on postponing elections or otherwise. Is the blogger ready to take any responsibility for pre-empting the EC? MOMEKH - Are you imp;ying that the EC had decided to postpone the election of the day of this post, 30/12/07, only the readers failed to google it? The right to publish comes with the responsibilty of honesty, but, then, who care this is Pakistan.

(Momekh on Jan 2, 2008 3:45 PM) Please see http://www.elections.com.pk/newsdetails.php?id=445 for the latest issuance of the statement by EC that says that holding election on 8th is "impossible" and that the elections will be held sometime in Feb. The exact date has yet to be finalized. At the time of this post, at least one mainstream newspaper (Hindustan Times I believe) already ran the story of EC postponing the elections. And what I am implying is that before jumping to conclusions regarding the 'honesty' of bloggers, or writeres, some solid background check is of the order (and no, just Googling something is not a SOLID bg check, though it does hold weight). Asking for a source is a VERY commendable thing to do, but at the same time implying that the blogger is lying is way too judgemental and plain wrong. Just like you, JayJay, have done when you say 'who cares this is Pakistan'. That, by all means, is irresponsible, childish and uncalled for. I hope I have come across clearly. God bless & peace.

This content is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works License. Some rights reserved. This work is provided for personal use only.

Originally from Lahore Metblogs by |eemz reBlogged on Dec 31, 1969, 7:00PM

New face, new name

|eemz — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:12:33 +0000

|eemz:

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Asif Ali Zardari in a press conference at Naudero, Sindh has announced that from now onwards Bilawal Zardari son of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zerdari, will be called "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari".
He said that their Children have decided to add their mother's family name to their names.
Asif Ali Zerdari, urged Nawaz Shrif not to boycott the elections 2008. They have nominated Ameen Fahim as their Prime Minister.

Comments (11)

Comments on this Entry:

(PPP_sucks on Dec 30, 2007 7:59 PM) Hahahahahahaha. Man when will Ashton Kutcher pop-up and tell us 'you've all been punk'ed'. LOLzz

(anony on Dec 30, 2007 8:23 PM) What a joke! How embarrassing! The champion of democracy or dynasty?

(Javaid on Dec 30, 2007 9:40 PM) I think it's a good opportunity for the country......I'm not really for PPP but it's commendable on the family's part to take action this urgently, especially with the mourning of Benazir's death and all. I wish Bilawal all the best.....I can't even imagine what he's going through.

(Zafar on Dec 30, 2007 10:03 PM) Dear Javed; its the hunger for power which has led them to take decisions so quickly but what they have decided shows how democratic they are or the leader was??? Is there no seasoned politician in the party who can take the position of chairman or its only some one who has a suffix of Bhotto is allowed to become a chairman. PPP was in need of another shaheed anyway due to their dwindling popularity and they just got it may be they have created this opportunity theselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(PPP_SUCKS on Dec 30, 2007 10:36 PM) The joke of the century, @The youngest Dictator in the contemporary world says : " Democracy is the best revenge " as if he was elected democratically !! ha ha ha ha hah

(JayJay on Dec 31, 2007 8:13 AM) I personally think Aitzaz Ahsan should have been elected to lead PPP but, then, a will by the BB, not a democratic process, was followed to elect the next leader. Aitzaz is neither a Sindhi nor a Bhutto (or Bhutto-Zardari).

(ali on Dec 31, 2007 9:18 AM) Democratic leaders leave ideologies not will. This shows the true side of PPP, democracy begins at home and the way PPP is being run, it clearly shows that democracy is the last thing on their mind, its the power they want and nothing else !

(Aaiz on Dec 31, 2007 1:41 PM) I was'nt expecting so many people with similar views as mine. The way zardari has named the kid Bhutto and over looked all other senior politicians really is not just embarrassing but ridiculous too. A 19 year old school kid has been given priority over a seasoned guy like Ameen Fahim. Why cant our people think? They way Bhutto clan was shown in Naudero it seemed like they were some monarchs with no one questioning them.

(FAS on Jan 1, 2008 12:20 AM) Bilal PM in making in Oxford. The poor chap can't even understand our national language and he is made chairman of the party to rule us after 10 years. Guys mark my words. THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF PPP FROM POLITICS OF PAKISTAN. BB was a real croud puller,due to the political techniques she learned from her father. No one else in PPP cadre have capability to attract masses(specially non-sindhies).

(Waleed Khan on Jan 1, 2008 10:02 AM) Benazir, Champion of Democracy, I wonder how would she be feeling in her grave after hearing the news that her inexperienced son with no idea whatsoever of democracy has been made the Chairman of PPP. Benazir must be in deep pain and probably shifting in her graves on such a mockery of Democracy. All Hail Democracy

(mana-ji on Jan 1, 2008 8:21 PM) New Face,New Name= SAME GAME

This content is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works License. Some rights reserved. This work is provided for personal use only.

Originally from Lahore Metblogs by |eemz reBlogged on Dec 31, 1969, 7:00PM

Wandering In A Ghost Town

backpacker — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:12:19 +0000

backpacker:

Yes that's what describes Islamabad right now after the assasination of Benazir Bhutto. I had the chance to wander around in a few sectors of Islamabad like F-6, F-7,F-8, F-10, G-7,G-10 and G-6 and all of it reminds you a scene from the old wild west movies. The markets are all closed with a few shops open in the sub sectors market catering to supply for basic neccessaities of the citizens. The petrol pumps have been sealed off with pavements, no gas is available in the whole of Islamabad anywhere, and there is Islamabad Highway Patrol roaming around in the city. At a few places I did find some batteries of military personal, mostly rangers. The roads all are blanketed with a defeaning silience. Overall the mood of the city is calm, yet there is an air of strange melachony all around.

All major business have suffered, with major private and public offices closed for work. Some companys who work for overseas clients have asked their people to work from home. Many students have suffered as some had examination in the last week of December which had to be called off. I got a chance to talk to a few people on the road and it seems that most of them were taxi drivers or some shopkeepers who were apparently sitting outside their shops to guard them just in case mob hit the malls. There are some angry protesters pelting stones towards policemen on the seventh avenue. However overall there are no major signs of aggression.

This is not by any means how the city planned to embrace the new year. I just hope there is better in store for us as we try to deal with this tragedy which is one more of those tests of our resolve as a nation.

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by backpacker reBlogged

Bhutto's Shooter captured on Tape

A for [pine]Apple — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:43 +0000

A for [pine]Apple:

Late last night on CNN, this footage was shown. Three shots were fired by the Benazir's assassin from what appears to be a handgun (note how the shooter/suicide bomber was quite literally perched up onto the back of Bhutto's SUV):

For Video & Text Thanks to The Insider Brief.

The Pakistani Spectator shares with us the transcript of Baitullah Mehsud's alleged telephonic conversation. I'm pasting the discussion below as well.

But the debate continues: How she really died and who killed her?

Here is the AFP's translation of the transcript of the alleged telephone conversation on Friday from senior Al Qaeda leader Baitullah Mehsud to another militant that the Pakistan interior ministry said had been intercepted after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

The ministry said it had been translated from Pashto to Urdu. This is translation from the ministry's Urdu to English.

Maulvi Sahib (MS): Assalaam Aleikum.

Baitullah Mehsud (BM): Waleikum Assalaam.

MS: Chief, how are you?

BM: I am fine.

MS: Congratulations, I just got back during the night.

BM: Congratulations to you, were they our men?

MS: Yes they were ours.

BM: Who were they?

MS: There was Saeed, there was Bilal from Badar and Ikramullah.

BM: The three of them did it?

MS: Ikramullah and Bilal did it.

BM: Then congratulations.

MS: Where are you? I want to meet you.

BM: I am at Makeen (town in South Waziristan tribal region), come over, I am at Anwar Shah's house.

MS: OK, I'll come.

BM: Don't inform their house for the time being.

MS: OK.

BM: It was a tremendous effort. They were really brave boys who killed her.

MS: Mashallah. When I come I will give you all the details.

BM: I will wait for you. Congratulations, once again congratulations.

MS: Congratulations to you.

BM: Anything I can do for you?

MS: Thank you very much.

BM: Assalaam Aleikum.

MS: Waaleikum Assalaam.

--AFP

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by A for [pine]Apple reBlogged

Fuel Stations Temporarily Open

Fatima Shakeel — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:40 +0000

Fatima Shakeel:

Fuel stations in F-10 and F-11 have opened temporarily under police protection, and multitudes of cars are currently lined up along the roadsides to fill up on petrol and CNG. I'm not aware whether any stations in other sectors are also open right now, but the ones in F-10 and F-11 are currently running. The lines are impossibly long though, so if you need to refuel (and you probably do), you'll need to be very patient and also prepared for the possibility that the fuel supply runs out before you reach your turn - which is why most people I know aren't even bothering to venture out there and join the lines. But I say give it a go. Take a book, CD, or a friend with you, to help you wait. The situation is still rather uncertain and we can't really predict when the city will come back to life again.

Stay safe, everyone.

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by Fatima Shakeel reBlogged

Universities to Remain Closed on Monday

Fatima Shakeel — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:39 +0000

Fatima Shakeel:

I have just recieved word that the Higher Education Commission has announced that universities across the country will remain closed on Monday. This information is not as yet confirmed, but I'll keep you posted as I find out more.

Update (Dec 29 2007, 7:21 pm): It is now being said that in case elections are still held, universities will remain closed till January 9. Confirmation still pending.

Update (Dec 29 2007, 9:00 pm): Yup, it's official. Monday's off.

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by Fatima Shakeel reBlogged

Indifference, or lethargy?

Phil — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:36 +0000

Phil:

People might blame Islamabad (Metroblog) of not posting enough in the recent assassination of Benazir Bhutto in our twin city Rawalpindi, and they might be doing so rightly. But they have to keep in mind that we have seen enough share of sh*t this year already, and we are repeatedly told not to post about political events that much. In this case, i believe it is more than political, it has become a national calamity at how our leaders are taken away with the click of one bomb at the will of one frustrated (add uneducated, unemployed, malnourished, pissed off) person...

Anyways, I have compiled a list of interesting web links from all over the internet here and here for you to use as reference anywhere. Most of them have been grabbed from various mailing lists and friends. Thanks to all of them.

It is neither indifference nor lethargy, it's pure catatonia at what is happening around us these days that we are all in, in this blistering cold city. It's really sad that a part from us few bloggers there isn't much one can do to help the situation anyway. If you have any good idea, do post a comment, or suggest a story.

Here is my dedication to all depression/sadness stricken young people out there.

Hope Leaves by Opeth.

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by Phil reBlogged

Eulogy

Phil — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:11:19 +0000

Phil:

"After all, man is a creator of his own coffin..."

-Anonymous.

Who knew that her car would end up becoming her coffin? A car that was built to protect her. Till when will man escape God's will and desire. It's all a matter of time...

From God we all come, to God we all go!

We at IMB wish to condole with her family and the nation in a moment of great sorrow. And no, it's not politically motivated.

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by Phil reBlogged

Good Mourning Pakistan

shaibee — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:10:38 +0000

shaibee:

I was talking to a friend, the night BB was assassinated. He is a young businessman, and owns a successful startup. He was in US to meet some investor a week ago and the investor was quite hesitant on the note that the situation in Pakistan is quite fragile. Anything can go wrong without any reason. But they continued with the meeting. I smelled a little worry in his usual laughter. He knew what will follow the assassination, this time with a big reason, and this was just a week after that meeting. And investor is quite justified on his side; why would anybody who has even a little shred of reason with him, invest in a business that can potentially be torched any moment of the day, any day of the year, and that too without prior notice, God forbid.

And if his business is not getting investment, why should Zaid & Bakkar be concerned? I hope the office-going islooites would not have yet forgotten the lay-offs at EnterpriseDB and TouchStone. Luckily these were relatively at a smaller scale and the affectees were taken-care-of as other businesses were running just fine enough to accommodate them. So its not just him who will suffer, its us too, if we continued the way we are running the affairs since last three days. God forbid.

We, the people of Pakistan, murdered around 50 humans in last 3 days. We burnt 170 banks. We completely destroyed 18 railway stations. And the list is long. And we say we are mourning. Is this the way to mourn? Its good being emotional, but we should not let the reason get out of our way. Apart from the loss of lives, which cannot be measured for cost, we caused monetary loss to the national exchequer, we have destroyed businesses and private property.

I was talking to another friend last night, who is Systems Engineer at local office of a us-based software development company. Their company was already talking about moving this office in Islamabad to some other country. He is now seriously concerned as his countrymen are providing the guys sitting up there very serious reasons to follow their talks. God forbid.

I don't know why, we always do, all the things, wrong !!!

Originally from Islamabad Metblogs by shaibee reBlogged

Robert Fisk: They don't blame al-Qaida. They blame Musharraf

khalido — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:09:48 +0000

Robert Fisk gets the Pakistani mood:

So let's run through this logic in the way that Inspector Ian Blair might have done in his policeman's notebook before he became the top cop in London.

Question: Who forced Benazir Bhutto to stay in London and tried to prevent her return to Pakistan? Answer: General Musharraf.

Question: Who ordered the arrest of thousands of Benazir's supporters this month? Answer: General Musharraf.

Question: Who placed Benazir under temporary house arrest this month? Answer: General Musharraf.

Question: Who declared martial law this month? Answer General Musharraf.

Question: who killed Benazir Bhutto?

Er. Yes. Well quite.

You see the problem? Yesterday, our television warriors informed us the PPP members shouting that Musharraf was a "murderer" were complaining he had not provided sufficient security for Benazir. Wrong. They were shouting this because they believe he killed her.

Link via http://www.teeth.com.pk/blog/

There are many discrepancies in the official statements which makes most of the country sure there was some government involvement in the murder - from washing down the crime scene, to not conducting an autopsy, which is mandatory in a criminal investigation of a murder, even in Pakistan. Of course, since Musharraf fired all the competent judges, there aren't any left to see that the law is followed.

Originally from KO by khalido reBlogged on Dec 31, 1969, 7:00PM

Round Up IX

sepoy — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:08:39 +0000

I am still terribly sad - not just for her but for the nation of Pakistan.

She was buried, in the mausoleum of her father. It is still unclear how she died but the explanations from the Pakistani government grow ridiculous by the minute.

Nawaz Sharif has announced that he will boycott the elections. PPP is going into 40 days of mourning. MQM and the Jamaat has yet to announce their intentions. The goverment is to call an All Party Conference to discuss the once future elections.

I admit that even though I have been talking to reporters nonstop yesterday, I have little analysis to offer but you can listen to Tariq Ali - and me in a supporting role - on Democracy Now!, from this morning and get a sense. This lengthy profile by Tariq Ali in the LRB should also have your attention.

John Moore’s photo-report is quite amazing. If anyone knows about the text or audio of her speech at Liaqut Bagh, please drop me a line.

Finally, Naim Sahib forwarded his self-termed “angry” analysis. It lies below the fold.
(more…)

Originally from Chapati Mystery by sepoy reBlogged on Dec 28, 2007, 4:40PM

Round Up X

sepoy — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:06:28 +0000

Benazir’s 19 year old son, Bilawal, has been named successor to Pakistan People’s Party - to keep the dynastic aspirations intact. And why not? There is no democracy outside of the party, no reason for it to exist within. One can call this a reflection of the feudal structures left untouched by many a pseudo-revolutions; one can point to the long history of the pir/spiritual guide’s extension into the political realm; one can blame lack of political education and access to corridors of power for the members of PPP; and one can acknowledge that the military regimes have sufficiently retarded all venues of political legitimacy, such that there simply cannot be any alternatives to the once-future leaders - Bhuttos, Jatois, Bugtis, Sharifs. Whatever the case you wish to make, reality is that “politics” in Pakistan has, and will, remain a hereditary, charismatic domain built around cults of personalities - until and unless electoral politics takes firm roots.

The PPP will contest the elections on Jan 8th, 2008. If they are held.

The American blogosphere seems obsessed with figuring out how she died: see TPM and Dkos. Someone ought to inform them that there is no reason to even acknowledge official statements on this point. In any event, Dawn News has published photos of the assassin that should end all CSI-ish speculations.

update: Which is not to say that the assassination, the hasty removal of evidence, the lack of investigation and the clumsy attempts to hoist the blame onto someone else doesn’t have precedence in Pakistan’s immediate past.

A dear friend sends chilling words from Karachi:

This is to let you know that I am alright, incase you are wondering about my well being in view of the current situation in Pakistan.

I would like to say that it is a bad dream but it is not, it is a bitter reality. I have lived in Karachi for long but never have I seen anything of this magnitude.

The night of December 27 will remain etched in my memory for some time. After hearing the news about Benazir’s death we shut down office early that evening and left around 7PM. I was with 4 of my colleagues who lived in the same area. After dropping one person in Gulshan-e-Iqbal we proceeded towards Gulistan-e-Jauhar (where I live. It was one of the most affected areas in Karachi which was the most violent place that night). There are 4 entry points to this area, we tried each one by one but were stopped by blaze and angry mobs burning, doing pathrao (stone pelting) and firing. After turninng away from each entry point, I thought of an alternate last option. When we reached there we ran into heavy blaze, turned around to go into another direction but after a couple of blocks stopped by another street-end closed by a heavy blaze. We stopped there just to think about the next step, all of a sudden people started assembling around the fire with batons, glass bottles and other stuff like that. The next 30 seconds were in slow motion, they were eyeballing us and then all hell broke loose. They charged throwing all kinds of heavy stuff at the windshield and hitting windows with batons. My friend started reversing the car and they kept running with the car and attacking. We went back may be half a block or so and then they stopped, may be we had reached a point after which they didn’t want to proceed. It may have lasted a minute or two but man! it seemed like an eternity. As soon as they stopped we turned into the first street we saw and stopped to gather our wits. We spent the next several hours in this unknown street in an stranger’s house (who was nice enough to give us refuge till the situiation got better). I finally got home after about 24 hours. On my way home last night around 11PM, the city looked liked a ghost town. Streets and even main roads were covered with broken glass and burnt vehicles were scattered all over the streets. I have never seen it like this not even under curfew. This was a horrible experience, but it could have been so much worse, they could have shot at us or use petrol bombs which were used that night to torch vehicles.

The faces I saw that night didn’t seem like they were from among us, there was blind fury in their eyes, it felt like we were in enemy teritory in another country. As events have unfolded since December 27 it is definitley not just spontaneous reaction of Benazir’s death; it is a well orchestrated move for anarchy and to destabilze the country. Not all of the news is out, most of the Sindh has been practically razed. Only in Karachi over 600 vehicles were burnt in less than 24 hours, in addition to this widespread looting and arson took place. Hope things get better soon.

Many others have observed that these riots appear to be orchestrated.

Stay safe, my friend. Stay safe.

Originally from Chapati Mystery by sepoy reBlogged on Dec 30, 2007, 3:33PM

Bhutto's Skull X-ray, Bloody Vehicle

temporal — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:05:48 +0000

• • • • •

This photo released by the Pakistani Government Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 shows a skull X-Ray of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Check out the second xray. Is Brigadier Cheema naive or are we imbeciles?

Originally from baithak by temporal reBlogged on Dec 29, 2007, 7:22PM

Pakistan After Benazir

temporal — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:05:35 +0000

The Chairperson for Life of the Pakistan Peoples Party is not the Chairperson today. Life cut off its tenuous relationship with her. Some reports indicate it was shrapnel wound, others say shots fired at her killed her. Brigadier Cheema, a spokesperson for the government said she hit the back of her head hard on a lever on the sun roof of the Landrover in the shock wave of the suicide blast and that caused her death. The Xray of the skull he released clearly shows a hole. Either he is incredibly naive or thinks others are.

• • • • •

This photo released by the Pakistani Government Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 shows a skull X-Ray of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

With the Iowa primary next week, her death has also surfaced in the US local politics. CNN is playing sound bites from Presidential hopefuls against each other. Hilary Clinton in an exclusive with Wolf Blitzer has declared her lack of faith in Musharraf Administration and has asked for an International Commission to probe her death.

Her Roll of Dice

Benazir Bhutto took a gamble when she ended her exile to return to Pakistan. Today she lies buried in Garhi Khuda Baksh next to her father Zulfikar and brothers Murteza and Shahnawaz.

She was admired and despised in equal measure. Admired by the common Pakistanis as the gritty daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a symbol of hope and defiance against former President Zina ul Haq, a young, educated, articulate person from a wealthy family of Sind. She was voted into power twice. She was admired by the West for her ostensible portrayal of liberal and secular values.

She was dismissed twice as Prime Minister on charges of corruption, nepotism and ethnic cleansing. She was also despised for her lack of tolerance within her party, for her autocratic ways when in power, for her arrogance and insensitivity to those in her service. She tolerated no dissent and developed no hierarchy in the party.

Elections

The Musharraf Administration is in a quandary. Pressure is on from the West to go ahead with the January 8 elections. With her successor yet to settle and consolidate (more on this shortly,) and Nawaz Sharif calling for a boycott, the elections obviously cannot go on schedule.

There are whispers from Benazir’s PPP to go ahead and participate in the elections and cash in on the wave of sympathy for the assassinated leader. Should that happen, Nawaz Sharif may yet again change his mind and agree to participate. [He is another thali ka baigan - a ditherer and procrastinator with short memory span, who is as autocratic and intolerant as Benazir was in her party.]

Preliminary Assessment

Winners: Baitullah Mahsud, Pakistan Talibans/Alqaeda, Jamaat e Islami and other right wing parties and orthodox Wifaq ul Madaris members.

Losers: Liberals, democrats, activists, citizens.

Baitullah Mahsud, the Pakistan Taliban leader on the run is a very strong suspect for the Pindi blast. He is also a prime suspect in carrying out the Karachi blast on October 18 on Benazir Bhutto that resulted in upwards of 180 deaths. In a statement released through an aide, Mahsud has denied involvement in her assassination.

It could have been avoided but for her fatalism and rolling of the dice. Benazir was still in Dubai, when Musharraf sent emissaries to apprise her of the suicide bombing threat to her. In fact, one of her last publicly acknowledged meeting with a Musharraf functionary was with Gen. Kiani the present army chief, then ISI chief, who apprised her of ground realities in Pakistan and warned her of the consequences. She brushed all those warnings aside and took a gamble in returning to Pakistan.

His options are dwindling by the day. He cannot impose yet another Emergency if things continue to get out of hand. Having relinquished Army Command, imposing Martial Law would be risky for him. It also augurs bad for politicians hoping to usher in some form of democracy in Pakistan.

Succession: Amin Fahim, Aitezaz Ahsan and Asif Zardari

Benazir, like most autocrats at heart, did not develop a hierarchy within her party. She wrestled the chairmanship from her mother and awarded herself the coveted title for life.

There are unconfirmed reports that in her will she has mentioned that the leadership of the party should remain within the Bhutto family. If true, the two leading candidates would be her apolitical sister Sanam and Benazir’s son Bilawal who is 19 years old.

Other candidates who can lay a claim would be Makhdoom Amin Fahim, a Sindhi, who looked after the party affairs in Pakistan while she was in exile. Asif Zardari, the Mr. 10 % is also in the running.

The PPP member who garners most respect nationwide is Aitezah Ahsan - a long time PPP member and very much in the fore front since March 09,2007 leading the case for former chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. Because of his immense popularity and respect within Pakistan and abroad Benazir and her minions have been cold shouldering Aitezaz Ahsan.

The other dark horse is the shadowy Rehman Malik, former head of FIA. Pakistan TV showed Asif Zardari and Rehman Malik prominently as they lowered Benazir’s body in the grave. If the two link up with other shadowy operatives and manage too wrestle the leadership away from long time party supporter and leaders, then the outcome will be hard to guess.

Nuclear Control

The US has two over riding objectives and concerns.

First is the control of what some say the breeding grounds for Al Qaeda terrorists. – control of Al Qaeda and their proxy, the Pakistani Talibans. The Talibans are mainly Pushtoons and live in the North West straddling both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They were the abandoned orphans of the Afghan War – the US used them and discarded them when their objective was realized.

The second US concern is the control of Pakistan’s Nuclear weapons. President Musharraf has gathered that control under himself with tacit US approval.

In parachuting Benazir they had hoped for a political solution for their first objective. They had hoped that Benazir could come to a political understanding with the Taliban and the Pushtoons.

Simultaneously, the Bush Administration needs President Musharraf and the Army to be in firm control of the Nuclear weapons.

Outcome

The elections, if and when they are held, will have a predictable outcome. The results are fomented in GHQ and are known to the insiders days before they are held. This is the sad reality of an army occupied Pakistan.

Before here death, I had heard this: the elections would be a play on around 230 seats in the NA. A good bet would be 70-8- seats each for PPP, PML(N) and PML(Q). The elections would happen when the GHQ/ISI feel confident they can deliver pre-determined 'results.'

Anticipating this Benazir had taken to saying this in her interviews and rallies that if PPP does not win a majority she would no accept the ‘rigged’ elections.

Washington is caught without fig leaves. The dichotomy of their foreign policy is exposed and well known. In their doublespeak, they talk of democracy and human rights but show a propensity for dealing with puppets and autocrats – Zina ul Haq, Anwar Sadat, Hosni Mubarak King Hussain, the Saudi-Americans – the list is endless. They wanted to parachute Benazir while propping the occupying army.

This reluctant marriage was accepted by Musharraf and Benazir, who had no love lost for each other. Now with her assassination, the US is back to square one. Is there a plan B?

Who can replace Benazir and deliver? Should they explore General Kayani? How will the lawyers and activists, in the fore front of the restoration of democracy movement take another Army foray into politics? Can Imran Khan be persuaded to fill the political void?

The only thing that can be said with certainty is the coming months will be full of uncertainty. And the forces of dark glow with glee at it.

Originally from baithak by temporal reBlogged on Dec 30, 2007, 9:58AM

Benazir’s Last Will Shows Her True Colors

temporal — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:05:29 +0000

In her death, she spoke like the feudal she was at heart, treating her party like her jaagir (personal fiefdom.) She wrote the leadership of PPP should remain within the Bhutto clan.

While there are more eligible candidates in the Bhutto clan, she did not mean them, but her own son Bilawal Zardari, 19 who promptly and publicly consented to change his name to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Following the Nuadero meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the PPP, Asif Zardari spoke impromptu, mixing languages, stammering and was incoherent at times. Until he learns public speaking, perhaps he should stick to 'reading.' Bilawal a teenager spoke well - in English - he has just lost his mother and has been thrust in the limelight - perhaps unwittingly. So, I would be kind and refrain from any comments.

If we are to believe reporters, PPP is a nationwide party with supports from people in all provinces, and had a good chance to win votes in the coming elections, then I wonder - who are the leaders at the provincial and local levels? And do they have any conscience? Or is PPP full off chamchas (yes man) like all other parties?

How can any party fight for democracy, and free and fair alphabet-soup of demands and display not one iota of conscience at this blatant travesty of democratic norms?

And the second tier leadership of PPP lacks in honesty too. At least, if they were honest, they would acknowledge they accept all this because their greed and lust for power overwhelms their other senses.

Today, greed won - injustice won - nepotism won- once again - and you, me and Pakistan lost.

Originally from baithak by temporal reBlogged on Dec 30, 2007, 7:41PM