Late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, had nothing but hatred for Indians. He often contemptuously referred to them in such derogatory terms as ‘dogs’. His ambitions daughter Miss Benazir Bhutto however, seems to have developed a sudden fondness for India, particularly for its present rulers. In her anxiety to dislodge President Zia ul Haq. She is willing to shake hands even with the Devil himself.
Inspired by the success story of Philippine’s Corazon Aquino and prompted by forces inimical to Pakistan, she has discarded the self-inflicted exile to return to her native land. The decision to risk the luxury of elitist life in fashionable Paris and choose the perilous ‘world of politics is clearly not her own. It is significant that on her ‘way home, she made a stop at Moscow, evidently, for the final briefing from her political mentors.
From the speeches she has been making during the course of her marathon political safari across the length and breadth of Pakistan, she transparently stands out as the wind baggish protege of Indo Soviet nexus. Her pro Kabul, pro Indian and anti American utterances make her look no more than a poor puppet parading her antics before an amused audience. But her observation at Jhelum alleging that Sikhs have secret designs to include West Punjab (Pakistan) Khalistan has serious implications and is aimed at destroying the developing amity between Sikhs and Muslims. She has parrot like repeated what Indian Foreign Minister has been trying in vain to sell to the people of Pakistan.
‘She would greatly profit to remember that Sikhs have never betrayed their friends nor have they ever violated any treaty. Sikhs have no quarrel with Muslims. They have no overt or covert design to include any foreign territory in their free land. Sikhs are currently struggling to preserve their separate entity in the face of a relentless onslaught unleashed against them by the ruling Brahmin Bania combine. Her own Muslims brothers in India are also victims of the same combine.
Miss Bhutto aims at emulating Cory Aquino. She forgets that Cory performed the feat all by her self. She did not depend upon barrowed props like Indo-Soviet wheelchair to steer her to the portals of power. She had no use for imported crutches. She did not ‘unnecessarily bait Sikhs or Afghan guerrillas or any other harassed segment of humanity to mislead her people.
Her anger against Mr. Zia-ul-haq is understandable as she holds him personally responsible for sending her father to gallows. She must, however, articulate her anger in more sober and mature way rather than making naively unwarranted attack on outsiders.
Maybe Miss Benazir’s observation is rooted in her own inherited longing for the re-blooming of Mughal splendor in Bhutto dynasty’s wishful sway over Delhi. Whatever be her psychological or political compulsion, she must show independence of approach and judgment and refrain from making childish remarks if she sincerely wants to play some positive role in the political life of her country.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 2, 1986
