Benazir and Pawn to King Three

Sometime in 1988, I read the book, 'Pawn to King Three' written by Imtiaz Sipra. Like a Sidney Sheldon thriller, it was set in the background of Pakistani politics. The central character built around a celebrity like Imran meets a tragic end like Benazir.
How prophetic, but for the gender?

My first glimpse of Benazir was at Gharam Chashma Chitral in November 1976. Winter had just set in and her father had just used force to quell a rebellion by Islamists in Dir-Bajaur. She had come holidaying with her friends mostly foreigners and stayed at the rest house. Soon she appeared as an anchor in a current affairs program ‘Encounter’ on PTV.

In 1995, as Prime Minister, she visited her alma mater Presentation Convent in Rawalpindi. I was there assisting the nuns in organising the function. I sat with her in the parlour for over half an hour and we discussed Pakistan. I found her to be impressive. We took many photographs together. Despite being humble and amiable, she was very forthright in many of her views, relating particularly to the downgraded status of the minorities. Though she agreed on many issues her response was that ‘even hurry takes time’. I well understood the minefield that she was meandering through and listened.Time never waited for her and hope she wins her battle.

I also had the privilege of reading her hand written notes on some policy issues. I vouch that they were concise and valuable. She is as much responsible for Pakistan’s nuclear capability as her father, especially when she took the ire of US administration over the UNICOL fiasco. She was soon dismissed. More some other day……