SWABI, Jan 1: Sympathies of most of undecided voters in the district have switched over to the Pakistan People’s Party after Ms Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

Residents said on Tuesday that a majority of them had cast their votes for the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal in 2002 because they were talking about Islamisation of society, but they disappointed the people. In the past, the people had been deceived with tall claims.

It was the leadership qualities of Ms Bhutto that even her arch rivals paid rich tribute to her.

Mohammad Ali Khan, a resident, said: “She was a great hope for Pakistan to drive their boat to the beach at these crucial hours.”

Roohal Amin of Topi said: “She was a great leader and we feel honoured to vote for her mission. Later, it is up to leaders of the party whether they carry it forward or not.”

The voters said that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had been sent to the gallows, his two sons, Shahnawaz Bhutto and Murtaza Bhutto, were killed under mysterious circumstances and now his daughter Ms Bhutto was assassinated on Dec 27.

None of the politicians in Pakistan had given sacrifices like the Bhutto family for the country but despite the great tragedies they did not move away from their democratic and patriotic path.

Qaisar Khan of Maneri Bala said: “The US wanted to undo Pakistan’s nuclear programme at the initial stage. However, Z. A. Bhutto was ready to lay down his live but rejected all pressure tactics applied by Washington.”

Sayar Khan of Baja said: “I would not have voted for any other PPP candidate but will do so now for the sake of the Mohtarma (Benazir Bhutto). I never vote for her party but this time around I will do so and I feel proud over it.”