Condemn Bhutto’s Assassination
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, 54, died Thursday evening after being shot and seriously injured from a suspected suicide blast at her election rally at the Liaquat Bagh park in Rawalpindi, some 30km south from Islamabad.
We, the undersigned private citizens, join Pakistan, Russia, and U.S. to condemn this attack as we mourn her death.
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December 29th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I, too, join in everyone’s heartache and grief over the loss of such a wonderful individual. I only pray that something good comes out of this tragedy. I pray for peace in the mideast. Thanks for letting me share.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
We strongly condemn the killing of Benazir Bhutto as it is an act of anti democratic nature.
Indian people favour a democratic government installed in Pakistan and the killing happened during an election campaign is a serious threat to democracy.
N Radhakrishnan
Kongu Vellalar Unity Forum
Tirupur India
December 29th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Rightly said!
One more thing that should be kept in mind is that we shouldnt get stagnant by reahersing the fact that she’z dead but we should now look fowrard to trace out the reasons that led to her death…we should now be alert as in not just accepting watever the media or the government portrays to be the truth but we should start researching and depicting the true facts because that is the only way we can avoid living in a falsly dramatised world!
May Allah Bless us all! Amen
December 29th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Besmilllah
Assalamu Alaikum
It was chocking to get the newspaper with such news, The pain it caused to me still remind inside my heart. How much sick is the heart of the people that cannot make a point speaking and struggling on the right path. When we are goint to open our eyes and see our bad actions? When we are going to respect the limits?…Taking others life is not going to solve anything, starting a war, no matter how much big or small it can be, is for sure a lost cause. No one will win! I only can hope Bhutto’s death be accepted as it’s. I mean, every one has a determinated time for living, no one will live more nor less. The circunstances are painful and Allah/God will decide for the killer or killers. May all of us will look for the best even in the worse time we live. May Allah have mercy on her and bless her relatives with high faith, and give them the strenght needed to face their lost. Let’s try to live in peace in the right path.
From Bolivia.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Its a geat shock to me to hear about the killing of Banazir hutto, Although I belong to ANP, but as she remained our PM twoice and we should respect our leader. I myself thinking that may be our country future will get changed if she become PM again,But the player of the game not allow her to become PM again, as they want to play theirs games in the area. Look like that every thing was planed earlier, I am self consider this game/play in the name of Terroisum which now days playing in North Pakistan and expending it over other part of Pakistan whick killed so far large number of our innocent as well as our leader etc. I think USA and Gen Mushraf is the main actors of this play. And its the part of that Play which was started during 1977 in the Name of Jehad agaist USSR with help of Pakistan, Iran and Bin Ladan through Afghan religous–Taliban People!!!
There is no way in Islam which Allow to kill any one, whatever who are, and that Jehad is in Islam is but the explaination when it will be, is also clear but these Agencies used words Jehad, Terroism, sucides, I think these are not by good Muslim, who know Islam.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
I am frightened that such acts of terrorism can happen in Pakistan. She was a beacon of light to those who want democracy to be established in this nation. She was a very bright and intelligent person and if the sysytem had allowed her top carry her work, Pakistan would have progressed in the right direction. My condolences to her family.
May she rest in peace. Amen.
Naeem Khan,
Toronto
December 29th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
May BB live forever in heart of all true Pakistan citizens and her blessing for a united people in Pakistan be real soon.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
No words can describe the pain the people r going thru because of the senseless killing. When will common sense prevail.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Most sincere condoleances to her husband, her children, family and friends of Pakistan. I had the privilege to see her at a symposium some years ago in Ottawa… “The Power of Women”…. she was fantastic, great speaker and leader. She had courage, conviction, intelligence and, foremost, A DREAM !!!!!!
She faced her destiny with her eyes opened, never quitting. She is inspirationnal for women around the globe. She tried to make a point to muslim extremists that true religion has no sex !!!!!! Only a soul !!!!!! Women are equal to men, whatever the religion!!!!!
You’re in my prayers Benazir,
France Lamothe, Gatineau Canada
December 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
This criminal and cowardly act is a shame for the ones who are responsible, and one may only hope that there will grow up thousands and millions of Benazir Bhutto’s like in the year to come, especially in countries where religious fanatism and extremism are the predominant order of the day.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
My condolences to her family, and to Pakistan.
She was a great women !
Dietmar Stefitz
December 29th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Tears are streaming out from every eye on the eve of this tragic incident.She was a bacon of democracy and hope for wretched souls in this forsaken country.Pakistan had lost its charismatic leader.Not only the PPP is leaderless but the entire nation is at crossroads.Her assasination is not a good omen for this nation.It becomes manifest that the establishment of this country only tolerates traitors and not nationalists.This is the end of one chapter in Pakistan’s political history.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Benazir Bhutto was my role model when I was a teenager. No doubt she is still one to me.I really admired her intelligence and charismatic ways in politics. Her sudden tragic death was so shocking not only to me but to everyone in my country. We are not only saddened but angry to have lost a remarkable person who wanted democracy for her nation and people. My utmost condolences to the people of Pakistan and her grieving family.May god safeguard the people of Pakistan.
Jaya L. Johor, Malaysia
December 29th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I am very saddened by this action against Ms. Bhutto. My condolences to her family, and to Pakistan.
I have great admiration for the things she was doing to change Pakistan, and wanting to form a new
democratic government. My prayers for the well-being of all in Pakistan are with you. I am sure you know
our human rights record in Canada, and that we don’t discriminate, and we condemn this action to the utmost degree. Love to all. Peace.
Sincerely: Diane M.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
December 29th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I feel great pain and find it difficult to come to terms on her assassination and loss of other innocent lives.B.B.was the one and the only one great lady who had honestly set out a goal this time,to bring about democracy being more confident,courageous and polished.the poor had great hopes in attaining future livlihood.her last speech clearly defines her as a true polished politicion and this was not being digested by many who were assured this time will be the future P.M.my deepest condolences to her family.and only one brother Mian Nawaz Sharif who vows to get to the ones responsible.May Allah guide us all towards the rightous path. ayesha jatoi
December 29th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I, too, join in everyone’s heartache and grief over the loss of such a wonderful individual. I only pray that something good comes out of this tragedy. I pray for peace in the mideast.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Oh Lord, Not again! That can`t be true! I don`t know how to express my deep sorrow and agony and explain how much outraged I feel concerning such a timid shuddering disgusting act of terror! My heart is filled with such a pain and still can`t believe these sick-minded people`s evil acts to try to eliminate such a much needed angel in Pakistan political scene, the one who could lead Pakistani people to a better life and prosperity and stability! Without a doubt, Benezir Bhutto was a hero since she merely could have enjoyed a comfortable luxurious life in England but she preferred to leave it behind and serve her country despite all the risks and sufferings that might have been ahead of her and she knew all this! I do admire her and adore her courageous character and spirit.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
I am sorry for the people of Pakistan our close Neighbours from India. She was a great friend of the people of India too. Her father an Indian born politician like the present President of Packistan, who could not save her life but paid her life for own safty purposes. She should have been provided with more security like the Parlament opposition leader and the secrets service could have been active fot the next prime minister of the People chosen by the people. And she could have done better for her people in a great democracy. The people of Packistan have lost a golden chance to be normal again. As we know the terror can only shower blood and bring no peace to it’s on folk! Who else now to carry Benazir Bhutto’s Tasks. I do believe in providence and there will be 10000 Benazirs to lead the great Nation to a better path as the great Former Prime minister of Packistan wished to do it. After Indira Gandhi again the Great Asian Continet has lost a great Leader who could lead her people to save their country and democracy in a good Spirit of friendship.
I do pray for her soul and all the people who died for her cause and also for her Father and mother and the children with their dear Father.
John Chacko
December 29th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
This is a saddening event the entire world should comdemn as well as mourn. Benazir was such a strong woman, a leader like few in this world ever could be. One who observed, then acted, and acted knowing to do so could possibly cost her life. A woman who gave all for her country, her people. We lack heros, some say…look at Benazir Bhutto i say, therein is your hero.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Only cowards can do such a thing..they think that death will never touch them, but the Almighty will do the justice.
What do these cowards get by doing all this by killing poor and innocent people, by killing a person who is going do some good deed, they cannot do something good so they don’t let others also do it, and i say there are some people among us who encourage these kind of acts and these people and only cowards do this. why do they even think of killing someone who has never harmed them in anyway. By planting bombs in trains, public areas etc, what are these people going to proof that they are brave.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
A brave, fearless lady of Pakistan, who has set a great display of courage. Though she knew her life was in danger she campained to uplift her people to rise and restore Democracy. No religion teaches to Kill one another. These so called facist in the name of religion are carring out such coward deeds. If they feel they are doing good for their country why not fight by following the election process and try to win and show . Benazir being a woman has faced situations bravely and fought for the rights of her country. These so called men should hang their head in shame. All our respects to the great Benazir Bhutto, truly a fearless leader. Being in India i offer great respect to this brave Lady of Pakistan.
December 29th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
This is a huge setback for democracy in Pakistan, which was already struggling. Bhutto had stated when she returned to Pakistan that she did not fear for her life because any devout Muslim who killed a woman like her would spend eternity in Hell. Heh, it’s not the devout Muslims she needed to worry about. It’s the crackpot extremists who have perverted the religion to support their own agenda.
December 30th, 2007 at 6:25 am
I still finding it hard to believe. I am extremely sad about her death. I never felt so much sympathy for her during her life. I hope her family can exercise patience. The entire nation should do so as well. She was a true leader of the entire country as can be observed by the occurrence of protests all over the country. There is no other leader who could command the loyalties of whole nation.
December 30th, 2007 at 10:07 am
I join you all in condemning this act of perversion.
sundara babu
New Delhi
Asian Human Rights Defenders Network
December 30th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Terrorism is un islamic…. No Jehadi Organisation are true Muslims.
December 30th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Benazir Bhutto was popular and experienced leader having capacity to unite people of pakistan. Such unity is ever disliked by Establishment and Non Democratic decision makers of the country and even the international King Makers. They need Karzai and Talibani type leaders every where or dictators in any case they want the rulers with zero possibility of any alliance with people of the country. Our national Establishment also wants Shoukat Aziz type leaders who do not have popularity of even to become member of a Union Council. Establsihment do not like even Jamali who has popularity of at least one MNA seat.
The assassination of Mohitarima Benazzir Bhutto can be seen in that context.
December 30th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Cheeni Kum Hai
She was not destined to be killed like this, this proves how much power we could have, we can change the decisions made in heavens
December 30th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I am deeply shocked, my mind still trying to accept that she is no more with us. I am not from her party but as a Pakistani, I admired her very much. she was one few leader who can understand the global politics and could provide a way forward to Pakistan.
Great great loss for all of us.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Once she’d decided to return, it was a matter of time before the assassination attempts succeeded. I don’t believe she was the way forward, her two terms in office were testimony to this. But, very very sad indeed, she was a mother too, after all. Hope her son will consider carefully before stepping into her shoes.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Benazir, Zardari, Juctice Nizam Ahmed and Nadeem Ahmed.
Imagine one of the top justices of Pakistan (Nizam Ahmed), have two kids (a boy and a girl)….sending his only son (Nadeem) to Iowa State University (Ames) to earn a degree in Engineering. I still remember a few years back when I went to see one of my good friends at Iowa State. I stayed with him for a week or so. Nadeem was a class mate and a friend of my friend. I spent a few evenings (and days) with Nadeem, who was a wonderful young man. He was very jolly, lively and very NICE boy. I had great time in that small town of Ames, IA.
Nadeem graduates, goes back to Pakistan and start doing a degree in law so he could follow the footsteps of his dad, as my friend told me this. Sometimes later I was told, Nadeem got engaged to a wonderful young lady….soon to be married.
Then came, the horrible new! One day, my friend called and told me that Nadeem and his dad (Justice Nizam Ahmed) were gunned down in the driveway of their own house in Karachi. Both were instantly killed. Nadeem in his mid 20s, received 25+ bullets in his body. Can you imagine the condition of his mother who lost her only son, her husband of 30 plus years? Can you imagine the condition of her sister who lost her father and only brother? Can you imagine the condition of his fiancée who was looking forward to spending rest of her life with him in a few months time!
What does this got to do with Benazir and Zardari? Well, here are some related links I could find about the connection;
http://www.dawn.com/2004/04/24/nat4.htm
http://www.dawn.com/2004/12/22/nat1.htm
http://www.dawn.com/2007/12/16/local3.htm
http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/March06/15/08.htm
Justice Nizam was killed by the Zardari/Benazir’s people because of a dispute over a prized plot near Awami Markaz as Justice Nizam had opposed its commercialisation and illegal allotment.
FIR submitted by the brother-in-law of Justice Nizam named Zardari as suspect. Hence the big “murder case” against Zardari.
I am not judging anybody or anybody’s actions because this is the job only reserved for the God Almighty but incidents like these only confirm that….yes, he is watching and he is there judging people for their actions.
From Jutice Nizam’s family standpoint, all I can say is that justice well served!
December 30th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaihe Rajioon
May Allah help us all, bless us all
December 30th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Death:
It is sad that Pakistan lost Benazir - an International, intelligent woman politician. Well groomed and best educated that Pakistan could have benefitted. May God rest her soul in peace and give her Janna. Ameen
Game Plan
Being the PM for past two times she understood and was a part of the game plan (like her father was) of the ‘Big Powers’ meddling in that area of Pakistan and Afghanistan
She was well aware of her life at stake since she entered into politics. Knowing the causes of her father’s death also. Not only that, but beginning from Late Liaquat Ali Khan. Murder (assassination)
If ever one can watch the new movies: Charlie Wilson’s War, Kite Runner and so on, one can see some of thought and game that is being executed and played in Pakistani area, North West and Afghanistan for past 20 years.
Condemnation:
I condemn the people who have no common sense. Our literacy is very low and blames the politicians for not providing facilities for education and educating the masses.
Pakistan claims to be a Muslim Nation, and the people never fails to claim and defend this right of being” Islamic and Muslim”.
Where in Islam and being a Muslim it says or guides a person to come out on the streets, burning houses, small business, national transports (buses and trains, train stations) and killing your own kind and your own population. (Families and children)
By doing so one is depriving another poor family of their loved one, depriving them from food and daily hard earned living. Do you think that the politicians are suffering? They will have no issues and problems in this. See who is suffering now. Common person are now without transports, without fresh food and so on. Why is the asking NOW the governments to get provide them? Why blame the government? Did they ask the government before they went out burning the train stations, buses, cars, shops?
These politicians are very abusive, shrewd and intelligent to use the mass for their own motives purposes and steer to gain what they want.
We as common Pakistani needed to talk about all of this. The media should talk about this daily and the politicians should tell their followers not to do this. It is a loss for all.
How much it cost to buy a car, a bus and train and build a train station.
Question: What did Benazir and Nawaz Shariff do in the past 20 years in Pakistan? Roti,kapra Mukaan ?? People are living in worst conditions now. This is the reflection of the past doings. What you sow is what you reap. These two had enough money stashed and stacked away to live in foreign land in luxury and lavishness. Now, they see an opportunity to gain more from the national wealth by coming back.
Security:
Pakistan is an under developed country [third or fourth world now]
Benazir and all other politicians have enough money that they can afford their own private security.
Pakistan cannot be compared nor can one ask the Govt. to provide security
(As it is done in West and European countries Any Pakistani Politician who enters into politics knows this. They can buy votes, buy media and do other stuff, and they cannot secure and get their own security. It is not valid to blame the govt. not to provide security.
If we are Muslim and do follow the values of Islamic teachings then every Muslim is same and has the same rights. How many others (poor) are without any security. The common person is robbed, murdered and theft is rampant on a daily basis. Don’t you think that they also deserve the same ‘Security’ from the government?
Elections:
Election must go on, maybe delayed. As soon as the law and order is restored. We always compare to West. In that case PPP should nominate another candidate and participate in the election. How much political sense does her son’Bilawal’ has to be the Chairman of PPP. Is this democratic or is creating a dynasty? Is this party for the people, by the people? We, as Pakistanis are Hippocrates. Unislamic? Undemocratic? on the other hand we talk about fair and transparency in our system. There are too many things to be corrected by us, Pakistanis. Don’t blame the government and President Musharaff for everything. Every Pakistani should look into them and ask them of each step they take forward- Is this right? Is this fair? Is it Islamic?
Dua’s-Prayers
I see and hear the TV media projecting great Quran prayers, poems and songs, patriotic ones. To Ask God/Allah to save Pakistan, and for His blessings is good, but, God-Allah also has said to follow the teachings of Islam and Prophet Mohammed-PBUH. Are we doing so? Why do we ask for forgiveness, after we are committing crimes against Muslims and our own Pakistani people? What justifications we have here?
December 31st, 2007 at 11:18 am
salam dear, we are grief but after seeing mr Zardari’s in politics, i m more grief, I can not believe PPP has no person than Zardari , afsoos nak baat hey,
i think he will damage all the good image of PPP of Zulifqar Ali Bhutto,
pls try to select any other person for PPP. He has no reputation , he is corrupted man and now i m start thinking the motto of death of Benzir , and thinking he is behind the scene. Rizwan
December 31st, 2007 at 5:21 pm
We have lost a mature and inteeligent polician who has the requiste experience and wisdom to take the country out of the mess created by the present regime. She was a hope for most of us.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 am
A Nuclear Nation led by a teen ager..hahahah. There is nothing but Chaos in Pakistan. Guys/Gals, Study hard and work hard. Keep your houses clean. Try to improve conditions within your house and do not think about politics for a while. Contribute to your society by doing one good deed a day.(At least)
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:13 am
The day you will start relying on your own abilities and be accounted for your own actions then things will start to improve. Less Inshallah since inshallah is not a very great strategy…Work hard and try to do one good thing at a time
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 am
Here are a few keys to your success
1) Sleep at 10 PM
Use actual names (no munna, pappo,gudda)
2) Improve dental Hygiene
3) Wear a Cap, Use Sunglass, Wear a mask
4) Wear pants and convince others to wear pants.
5) Learn English
6) Work hard, Control your anger
7) Ask questions, Never insult anyone with their question
9) Keep your house very clean. Keep your streets very clean.
10) Make sure your toilets are clean. Re-build if necessary.
11) Plant a tree if possible else buy a small flower pot.
12) Read a book at least every two months.
13) Show courteously and say Thank you/Shukriya to stranger. Show a smile face.
14) Wash your face and hands as often as your can.
15) Practice driving without honking.
Best Regards to all.
Happy New Year 2008
11)
January 4th, 2008 at 11:32 am
THE BHUTTO ASSASSINATION: NOT WHAT SHE SEEMED TO BE
By RALPH PETERS
New York Post
December 28, 2007 — FOR the next several days, you’re going to read and hear a great deal of pious nonsense in the wake of the assassination of Pakistan’s former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. Her country’s better off without her. She may serve Pakistan better after her death than she did in life.
We need have no sympathy with her Islamist assassin and the extremists behind him to recognize that Bhutto was corrupt, divisive, dishonest and utterly devoid of genuine concern for her country.
She was a splendid con, persuading otherwise cynical Western politicians and “hardheaded” journalists that she was not only a brave woman crusading in the Islamic wilderness, but also a thoroughbred democrat.
In fact, Bhutto was a frivolously wealthy feudal landlord amid bleak poverty. The scion of a thieving political dynasty, she was always more concerned with power than with the wellbeing of the average Pakistani. Her program remained one of old-school patronage, not increased productivity or social decency.
Educated in expensive Western schools, she permitted Pakistan’s feeble education system to rot - opening the door to Islamists and their religious schools.
During her years as prime minister, Pakistan went backward, not forward. Her husband looted shamelessly and ended up fleeing the country, pursued by the courts. The Islamist threat - which she artfully played both ways - spread like cancer.
But she always knew how to work Westerners - unlike the hapless Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who sought the best for his tormented country but never knew how to package himself.
Military regimes are never appealing to Western sensibilities. Yet, there are desperate hours when they provide the only, slim hope for a country nearing collapse. Democracy is certainly preferable - but, unfortunately, it’s not always immediately possible. Like spoiled children, we have to have it now - and damn the consequences.
In Pakistan, the military has its own forms of graft; nonetheless, it remains the least corrupt institution in the country and the only force holding an unnatural state together. In Pakistan back in the ’90s, the only people I met who cared a whit about the common man were military officers.
Americans don’t like to hear that. But it’s the truth.
Bhutto embodied the flaws in Pakistan’s political system, not its , feudal loyalties that stymied the development of healthy government institutions (provoking coups by a disgusted military). When she held the reins of government, Bhutto did nothing to steer in a new direction - she merely sought to enhance her personal power.
Now she’s dead. And she may finally render her country a genuine service (if cynical party hacks don’t try to blame Musharraf for their own benefit). After the inevitable rioting subsides and the spectacular conspiracy theories cool a bit, her murder may galvanize Pakistanis against the Islamist extremists who’ve never gained great support among voters, but who nonetheless threaten the state’s ability to govern.
As a victim of fanaticism, Bhutto may shine as a rallying symbol with a far purer light than she cast while alive. The bitter joke is that, while she was never serious about freedom, women’s rights and fighting terrorism, the terrorists took her rhetoric seriously - and killed her for her words, not her actions.
Nothing’s going to make Pakistan’s political crisis disappear - this crisis may be permanent, subject only to intermittent amelioration. (Our State Department’s policy toward Islamabad amounts to a pocket full of platitudes, nostalgia for the 20th century and a liberal version of the white man’s burden mindset.)
The one slim hope is that this savage murder will - in the long term - clarify their lot for Pakistan’s citizens. The old ways, the old personalities and old parties have failed them catastrophically. The country needs new leaders - who don’t think an election victory entitles them to grab what little remains of the national patrimony.
In killing Bhutto, the Islamists over-reached (possibly aided by rogue elements in Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, one of the murkiest outfits on this earth). Just as al Qaeda in Iraq overplayed its hand and alienated that country’s Sunni Arabs, this assassination may disillusion Pakistanis who lent half an ear to Islamist rhetoric.
A creature of insatiable ambition, Bhutto will now become a martyr. In death, she may pay back some of the enormous debt she owes her country.
——————————————————————————–
Family rivalries surface to tear at Benazir’s legacy
· Son should not have been made party leader, says clan chief
· Feudal lord intervenes in the wake of assassination
Declan Walsh in Mirpur Bhutto
Wednesday January 2, 2008
The Guardian
Mumtaz Bhutto, head of the Bhutto tribe in Pakistan’s Sindh province and former rival of Benazir Bhutto, receiving visitors at the family ancestral home at Mirpur Bhutto, six miles from Benazir Bhutto’s home in Naudero. Photograph: Declan Walsh/Guardian
Mumtaz Bhutto sat back on the cool marble veranda of his sprawling country mansion in rural Sindh province. A guard brandishing a Kalashnikov stood behind him. A servant fanned the chocolate cake on the table to keep the flies at bay. He was dismayed.
The rise of Asif Zardari, Benazir Bhutto’s husband, to the leadership of the Pakistan People’s party, was nothing less than a disaster, said Mumtaz, the sprightly 74-year-old head of the Bhutto clan.
“Zardari is an illiterate man. He has no political background or experience. He will not be able to conduct himself as the same level as Benazir,” he said with barely concealed disdain. “Most unfortunate. ”
Family feuds are never pretty but for the Bhuttos, Pakistan’s dominant political dynasty, they are played out with the same intensity that characterises the rest of the family’s Greek tragedy-style history.
As Pakistan’s opposition has fractured, so Bhutto’s family has been rent asunder by discord. There are several rival wings, mostly defined in terms of support or opposition to Benazir. Now that she is dead, though, that may be about to change.
Mumtaz Bhutto fell out with Benazir more than 15 years ago. He said she had led the PPP astray; she said he was jealous of her power. His house is just six miles from Benazir’s Naudero home, but the last time they met was in 1995. “It was a lunch in Islamabad. We didn’t agree on anything,” he recalled.
Mumtaz retreated to start his own political party from his elegant home amid the salt-encrusted fields. But it won little support, so he concentrated on his duties as an old-style feudal lord. Critics call him a relic of another age.
Peasants surround his magnificent house with its fleet of four-wheel-drive vehicles and ornate private mosque. Two sleek hunting dogs, recently imported from Britain, roam the garden where servants trim the grass with a donkey-drawn mower. A domineering Raj-era portrait in the hall shows his grandfather brandishing a curved sword and a Purdey gun.
By Mumtaz’s estimates, his land is worth £12m and he makes approximately £23 per acre from his landholdings, which he estimates at about 15,000 acres.
Summers are spent in London, where he rents flats in Mayfair or Knightsbridge, or on Italy’s Amalfi coast. “Absolutely heaven,” he said. “But this year we went to Portofino - the Hotel Splendido.”
Otherwise he sits on the veranda of his home, solving the problems of his peasant tenants. Up to 100 supplicants stream in every day, bringing a variety of grievances to be solved. “There is total lawlessness here. Someone gets shot, someone is murdered, marriage disputes, wife eloping - I have to find a solution,” he said.
But the one dispute he could never solve was the one with Benazir, whose tomb he has just visited. Now he is angry that control of the PPP - considered synonymous with the Bhutto family - has passed to her son Bilawal, and he has dared to take to the Bhutto name.
“He is a Zardari, you can’t just change it like that,” he said. The mantle should have passed to a Bhutto, he said, because “it came into existence and survived on the name and sweat and blood of the Bhutto family.”
Asif Zardari, he said, “made no sacrifices for the party”.
“He has become a billionaire with bank balances and studs and ranches all over the world. That should have been enough for him.” Instead, he said, the title should have passed to the “real” Bhuttos.
In life Benazir was a great rival to her sister-in-law, Ghinwa Bhutto, the widow of Benazir’s brother, Murtaza, who was gunned down on a Karachi street in 1996 while she was prime minister.
Ghinwa comes from northern Lebanon and met her husband during his exile in Syria, where she worked as a ballet teacher. Benazir disparaged her as the “Lebanese bellydancer” . Ghinwa blamed Benazir for the death of her husband.
“I place the moral responsibility on Benazir. If she did not kill him, certainly his death was very convenient for her party of cronies,” Ghinwa told the Guardian last October.
Benazir denied the accusation, saying the shooting had been engineered by the country’s intelligence agencies to undermine her rule and divided her clan. “Kill a Bhutto to get a Bhutto,” she would tell friends.
But the conflict passed to the next generation through Fatima, Murtaza’s 25-year-old daughter and newspaper columnist. Clever and impassioned, Fatima was considered a possible heir to the Bhutto political dynasty. But she has not entered politics and her mother’s party, a splinter from Bhutto’s PPP - lacks even one seat in the provincial assembly.
Until recently, they were campaigning for a seat in Larkana, the heartland of Bhutto power.
Fatima had tried to avoid living in the shadow of her more famous aunt.
“The fact that she’s my aunt is just a footnote,” she said in October. “Benazir always gives these interviews saying that we are brainwashed and mummy’s a bellydancer. But I don’t engage in that. We don’t respond to her petty diatribes and attacks.”
After Benazir returned to Pakistan, surviving a suicide bombing, Fatima issued scathing criticism of her aunt, whom she referred to as “Mrs Zardari”. Benazir had recklessly exposed hundreds of people for the sake of her “personal theatre”, she charged. “She insisted on this grand show, she bears a responsibility for these deaths and these injuries.”
But this week, all that changed. Traumatised by her aunt’s killing, Fatima dropped the fiery rhetoric for wistful memories. “Honestly, I am at a loss,” she wrote in a heartfelt column in The News, a Pakistani daily, this week. “I am compounded in a state of shock.”
Bhutto’s death reminded her of her own ghosts, she said. “I have yet to bury a family member who has died a natural death,” she said, recalling her father, who was shot, her uncle Shahnawaz who was poisoned, and her aunt Benazir, assassinated.
“This isn’t about me, it’s about those whom we have lost,” she wrote.
“It’s about the graveyard … that is just too full”.