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Published 03 Apr, 2011 09:29pm

Reopening of the case

THE PPP has decided to reopen Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s case of ‘judicial murder’.

Bhutto was convicted and subsequently executed in 1979. Since then, the PPP had been in power twice (1988-90 and 1993-96) and his daughter Benazir Bhutto was the elected prime minister on both the occasions.

In spite of the constitutional provision, the matter was never referred to the apex court.

It is now almost 32 years that Bhutto was hanged.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Most of the people, said to be responsible for his ‘judicial murder’, are no more in this world.

If the Bhutto case is referred to the court and, speaking hypothetically, if it is stated that his conviction and execution were wrong, what would really be achieved?

Just a sense of pride for the party that its founding leader was innocent and also that he was ‘judicially murdered.’

Instead, the party and its leadership should focus its attention quite seriously on the ongoing probe of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. Benazir was killed just three years ago.

It is not a distant happening.

The assassin(s), collaborators and perpetrators of the crime and all other elements linked with the ghastly murder are believed to be very much alive and they are around.

The reports of the Scotland Yard and the UN Commission are with the government. There are many clues in the reports that could, if pursued properly, lead to the unveiling of the wrongdoers.

It is beyond comprehension of the common man as to why the PPP is not serious in pursuing Benazir’s murder case and is trying to whip a dead horse instead.

EHTESHAM SIDDIQUIIslamabad

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