Chowrangi

After self-imposed exile of 8 years, Benazir Bhutto is returning to Pakistan in next few hours. During last 8 years most of her time was spent in UAE, UK and USA, defending herself from cases lodged by Nawaz Sharif and Pervez Musharraf’s regime, and lobbying for her return to Pakistan. Now, after 8 years of struggle, Benazir Bhutto has proved herself as one of the most intelligent politician of Pakistan (coming next to maybe Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman) as she eventually succeeded in her goals.

On one hand she is been able to ward off all cases against her through National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). On the other she is taking credit of leading Musharraf, through “negotiations” and “dialogues”, towards restoration of democracy by making decision to shed his uniform.

Yesterday, in her press conference in Dubai, Benazir used harsh words for Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. She was critical of Nawaz Sharif and also thought that Supreme Court won’t go against her / NRO else it has to face the wrath of public. She was of opinion that anybody who will attack her will burn in hell.

18th October 2007 is another important day in history of Pakistan. Supporters of PPPP across the country are massing in Karachi to welcome Benazir. The reception may not be as massive as what she received in 1986, it will still be good enough to prove her popularity and send threatening signals in Sindh and Punjab.

While MQM seems to be neutral and has allowed show of street-power by PPPP Jiyalas, its Dr. Arbab Ghulam Raheem, the Chief Minister of Sindh, who is getting edgy and apprehensive. He has directed the city government to remove all welcoming flags and hoardings from the city and is continuously giving provocative statements. He is right to be afraid as return of Benazir will transform him into a political minion in upcoming elections.

Karachi is tense as people have not forgotten bloody incidents of 12th May. Governor Sindh has ordered closure of schools while petrol pumps, markets and most of the offices will remain close today.

As the day proceeds, we have to see how return of Benazir Bhutto effects the future of Pakistan.

Other posts by Kashif Aziz

• Taliban of Punjab Police - March 3rd, 2010
• Chile Earthquake, Hawaii Tsunami and Social Media - February 28th, 2010
• President Zardari apologized for childbirth in rickshaw - February 26th, 2010
• Reason of Traffic Jams in Karachi - February 19th, 2010
• Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Top Most Taliban Leader Caught in Karachi - February 16th, 2010
• PTCL Launches Largest Data Center of Pakistan - February 15th, 2010
• Reflections On Twin Blasts in Karachi - February 6th, 2010
• Aafia Siddiqui convicted, may be sentenced for 60 years - February 4th, 2010
• Dawn News going down the Drain? - January 30th, 2010
• Has Karachi Gone To Dogs? - January 27th, 2010