Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. While going through yesterday’s The Hindu, India’s national daily, I was literally startled to read about a diplomatic cable accessed by The Hindu thru WikiLeaks about Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister before her December 9, 2008 assassination fearing for her life approached US for security during her whirlwind tour to campaign for Prime Ministerial elections. What actually compelled her to contact then US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson to ventilate her apprehensions was soon after her arrival from abroad a suicide attack launched by unknown elements targeting her killed almost 140 supporters. Even before she had forebodings about attempts on her life from inside the establishment, then under the rule of General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf. Upon speaking about it Anne Patterson, then American Ambassador could not agree with her and according to her it was not from inside the establishment but the real threat to Benazir’s life was from Taliban and Al-Quaida elements. Benazir retorted then and there that Taliban and Al-Quaida elements were hand in gloves with establishment and without the latter knowing there would be no attempt on her life.
While going through the news item, what took me by surprise and embarrassment was that a nation’s former Prime Minister being forced to seek the protection of a third country. That set me thinking about the frightening atmosphere prevailing in Pakistan then and now.
Soon after Benazir’s violent death a visibly shocked former Prime Minister, leader of Pakistan Muslim League- (Nawaz), Nawaz Sharif approaching America for protection as he too apprehended a violent attack. It is noteworthy here that Nawaz Sharif and (Retd) General Pervez Musharraf were not on good terms since several years.
Two leaders, that too, two former Prime Ministers seeking protection by US drives home one bitter truth. A nation virtually in the grip of a formidable ruling establishment as also hard-core terrorist elements.
Naturally my thoughts riveted around our own country India. India too is a target of terror elements, they might strike us any moment, anywhere but Indian leaders approaching a third nation to provide protection is beyond question. Why? The answer is quite simple. India’s quest for self-respect and confidence in its power to take on those who are out destroy the national and social fabric, on the other hand leaders of Pakistan’s National parties lack confidence and faith during the days of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif it was the case. There a civilian govt exists for namesake, actual control is in the hands of Army and their writ runs there. The terrorists have gone a step further, all the Pakistani rulers’ own making.
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