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PAKISTAN People’s Party chairperson Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto gives answers to the following questions asked by Dawn.
Question: How would you describe the year 2007?
Answer: The year 2007 had both positive and not so positive features for Pakistan. At the global level peace continued to be threatened by militancy, extremism and terrorism.
At the regional level, Pakistan and India have taken some steps in composite dialogue but it cannot be said whether there is a genuine change of heart on both sides and whether what we are witnessing is a strategic shift or a technical manoeuvre to buy time.
At the national level, the picture is more complicated. On the one hand, there have been reverses, including the suspension of the constitution and the ouster of members of judiciary. On the other hand, we are heartened that as a result of domestic pressure spearheaded by the PPP, the people and the international community, the position of Army Chief has been separated from the Presidency, date for election given, the two former prime ministers have returned to the country and the emergency lifted. We have, however, yet to see whether the promise of free and fair elections would be fulfilled.
So while Pakistan has traversed some distance in the year, it is still at a crossroad of genuine democracy and political instability.
Q: The way the things have unfolded this year, is there room for optimism?
A: I am an optimist and hope that the year 2008 herald the dawn of democratic era that can address the problems of poverty, joblessness, inflation, law and order and save Pakistan’s future from the threat of terrorists who bomb our cities and kill our people.
Q: In case polls are rigged, do you see protest of civil society intensifying?
A: Yes, the political party and civil society will certainly protest if the elections are rigged.
