Mourning Benazir Bhutto

The country is in a state of shock today. We have lost the leader of the most popular political party in the country. Ill-advised policies of the past many years and severe polarization the country witnessed under the military rule led to the circumstances behind today's tragedy. We became too accustomed to the violence, to the suicide blasts, and to the usurping of rules and rights by strong men at the helm. We have paid the price today. Nawaz Sharif is correct when he says that something unthinkable has happened in Rawalpindi this evening. The country is on the brink of disaster. Banks are burning, government buildings are on fire, emotionally charged political workers are streaming on streets across Pakistan. Time for Pakistanis to wake up, to shake off the apathy, to unite, and to rise against the injustices perpetuated against them.

While many will disagree with Benazir Bhutto on ideological grounds, or argue that her rule was short on delivery, she clearly was the most gifted leader Pakistan has seen who spent 25 out of 30 years of her political career in opposition, championing the cause of democracy with extraordinary vigor against military dictators. That is Benazir's legacy. A legacy that will only strengthen Pakistan People's Party's stance and core philosophy.

With Benazir Bhutto's loss today, a huge leadership vaccum has been created in Pakistan. We have lost a towering centrist, moderate figure who served as a rallying point for millions of Pakistanis.

Personally, I had the opportunity to meet Benazir in 1989 when she had come to my high school as the chief guest of annual Founders' Day of the school. I received a debating prize from her. 'Would you also write me a speech, Dilawar Abbas?' She said when I received the trophy from her. Few hours later when I saw her again at my booth at the science fair, Benazir remarked: Dilawar, you have promised to write me a speech. Very charismatic, intelligent and someone who knew how to connect with people. An inspiring and unforgettable experience for a student. Clearly an unforgettable day today for millions of mourning Pakistanis around the world.

As we move forward, I hope we find strength and unite as one nation. Tragedies such as these do have a way of awakening nations and bringing people together. December 27th may be one such day.