Beware of the snakes in the grass
By WAJID SHAMSUL HASAN July 20, 2008 Think tanks and experts had been forecasting an unavoidable denouement writ large as Pakistan’s fate especially when powers that be wanted SMBB to stay away from Pakistan. But Bhutto had to return - at the cost of her life " to try to save the federation. Though she had all the evidence that she had been consigned to death by her enemies, she took upon them with steeled courage and determination to save her country. After all it was her countrywide popular acceptance as the saviour of Pakistan " like her father that had kept the four federating units together notwithstanding the disenchantment of the people of the three smaller provinces who have had enough of exploitation by Bonapartist rulers.
Much before she boarded the plane on her fatal journey, BB knew well that she was walking into the hornet’s nest. Just on the eve of her departure she told me she wanted me to stay in London " “you never know what is in store for me.” I expressed my fears about her life in view of the venomous hatred for her among her enemies. As usual she responded “life and death is in the hands of Allah”. It was a brave heart’s force of her conviction to save Pakistan that compelled her to smilingly die for the cause that was dearest to her. The will " in her unwavering handwriting that I can recognise from far and in green ink " the colour that she loved most " will be remembered as the historic parchment engrained on the sands of time by the force of her conviction.
Those who planned BB’s murder must have taken it for granted that Faheem will become the party chairman and PM after her death. But they did not know that BB was always two steps ahead of them and that she would leave a will and nominate her successor. I am sure Makhdoom Sahib and others would recall discussions that were held even when BB was alive as to who would be the prime minister for three months. She used to say that she would appoint Faryal Talpur or Azra as interim prime minister.”
She did not want history of 2002 repeat when a forward block had been made in the party. Writing her will just at that time " no doubt an act of rare courage " while nominating Zardari as her successor was not only to avoid spilt in the party but to protect and preserve its integrity. Indeed, her apprehensions are proving right. And like Leghari, those who could have been least expected of betraying her due to their claim to be closest to her stand exposed as major villains of the piece.
Those who think there can be a split in PPP are most certainly wrong. Many in the past too tried but all their attempts fell flat on their faces and they rest in pieces in the dustbin of history. I am sure if Zardari continues with BB’s policies as PPP’s co-chairman those who want to do meaningful politics they will have no choice but to follow him. Whatever, he must remain on guard against the snakes in the grass and scotch them before they bite him. He must remember Bhutto commitment " power to the people.
PPP’s strength is not in some bunch of heavyweight opportunists but in the heart and soul of the poor masses. He must get down to real business of translating party manifesto of roti, kapra and makan. That would be the best answer to his critics. Zardari must remember that he has qualities of leadership in him. He proved it once when he saved the country by standing up like a rock to defend Ms Bhutto’s federal Pakistan against the angry slogans of Pakistan Na-Khappe in Sindh and other smaller provinces. He can bury all his critics through action and performance by alleviating the sufferings of the masses.
The writer is the High Commissioner of Pakistan in UK
