Unresolved yet

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Benazir Bhutto's assassination on December 27, 2007, was a catastrophic blow to Pakistan's fragile democratic fabric. Seventeen years have passed, yet the case surrounding her murder remains an unresolved enigma, buried under layers of institutional inertia, judicial delays and political neglect. Despite the involvement of international investigative bodies like the UN and Scotland Yard, as well as local agencies including the FIA, the masterminds behind this high-profile crime remain unidentified and unpunished. Multiple investigations and court proceedings over nearly two decades have failed to untangle the web of complicity.

PPP's lack of will to actively pursue the case has also raised troubling questions about its commitment to justice for its slain leader. Their leadership, including Benazir's spouse Asif Ali Zardari and her children, has consistently refrained from appearing in court, leaving the FIA to carry the burden of prosecution alone. Adding to the complexities are the alleged roles of high-profile individuals, including the late Gen Pervez Musharraf and senior cops. While Musharraf was declared an absconder and his assets confiscated, the two police officers convicted of negligence are out on bail, with their sentences suspended. The appeals filed by various parties remain in limbo. To honour her memory, Pakistan must recommit to the ideals that Benazir championed. This begins with ensuring that the unresolved questions surrounding her assassination are addressed. The judiciary, law enforcers and political leadership must prioritise this case as a moral and national imperative. Justice delayed is justice denied, and in this case, the delay has eroded public trust in the system.

Safeguarding democracy requires that the lessons from Benazir's assassination are not forgotten. Leaders and citizens must work towards strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring accountability and fostering a culture of respect for human rights and rule of law.