Tragedy in Pakistan
Former Prime Minister’s return from exile sparks violent attack
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto speaks to the media at her residence in Karachi on Friday Oct. 19, 2007. (Photo: ©David Guttenfelder/AP Images)
It was supposed to be a happy homecoming for former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Instead, two explosions erupted near Bhutto’s motorcade Thursday night, killing 134 people and injuring at least 450 others.
The windshield of Bhutto’s car was shattered, and the vehicle directly behind her was completely scorched. But Bhutto and her companions, who were riding in bulletproof vehicles, escaped the blasts and arrived safely at her family home. Several policemen who were riding next to Bhutto’s vehicle died.
"We did try to provide the maximum security that was possible and, in fact, that’s why the majority of casualties are among the police and security forces," said Pakistani information minister Tariq Azim Khan. "But with a very large crowd, obviously, there is no such thing as foolproof security."
Early reports indicate that the blasts may have been the work of a suicide bomber. Officials also reported that at least one bomb had been planted inside a car on the street, where throngs of Bhutto’s supporters gathered to welcome her home.
A Controversial Return Home
Bhutto returned to her native country on Thursday after eight years of self-imposed exile. She had agreed to come back only after Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf permitted her to seek re-election as Prime Minister. Many Pakistanis objected to the bargain struck between Bhutto and Musharraf.
Bhutto’s public image took another hit after recent comments she made about teaming up with the United States to fight terrorism and the Taliban. Her remarks, viewed as pro-American, angered many Pakistanis. Bhutto received death threats. Concerned for her safety, officials in Pakistan urged Bhutto to postpone her return to Pakistan. However, she did not listen to their warnings.
The United States responded immediately, denouncing the acts of violence.
"Those responsible seek only to foster fear and limit freedom," said State Department spokesman Tom Casey. "The United States stands with the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorist threats, and to build a more open, democratic, and peaceful society."
A Political Pioneer
Benazir Bhutto was first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988. She was just 35 years old. But 20 months later, Bhutto was removed from office by then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan on corruption charges. She denied the charges and was never tried. She was re-elected in 1993 but was once again ousted on similar charges in 1996.
Bhutto had been living in exile in Dubai since 1999. When she touched down at Karachi Airport Thursday afternoon, she broke into tears.
"I believe in miracles," said the 54-year-old. "My return home is a miracle. I dreamt about this moment for so long. I hope I can live up to the expectations of the people of Pakistan."
Bhutto told reporters in Dubai that she was returning to Pakistan to serve its people. She vowed to replace Pakistan’s military government with a democratic one.
"I am going home with a message of change and hope for a better future for democracy, and I hope that this moment for democracy succeeds," she said.
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
Read today’s story and answer the following question.
| Do you think the U.S. should continue to take an active role in helping to develop democratic governments in other countries like Pakistan? Why or why not? Join a discussion of this question on our bulletin board. | |
Karen Fanning is a contributing writer for Scholastic News Online.
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