A dissident

IN a political culture characterized by blind faith in charismatic leaders, Mr Aitzaz Ahsan's remarks about Benazir Bhutto and Mr Asif Zardari would sound heretical and cries are bound to be raised by sycophants in his party to commit him to the stake, medieval style. He has been himself quick to disown the report. Yet it goes to Mr Ahsan's credit that he has never been found lacking in courage to differ with the leadership inside the party forums. His stand for the supremacy of the judiciary and the restoration of the judges is the most recent example. While recognizing with admiration the qualities of courage and steadfastness in Benazir Bhutto, he takes note of the undemocratic urge in her to remain life chairperson of the party. This is unfortunately a trend not confined to the PPP alone. Those leading a number of other parties in Pakistan and other South Asian countries suffer from a similar malaise. He also recognises that the lifestyles of Benazir Bhutto and Mr Asif Zardari indicate that the type of expenses incurred did not come from sources of income that can be lawfully explained. His remarks about Mr Zardari are harsher as he has failed to find a saving grace in him.