KARACHI:
A day before the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari visited her mausoleum, laid a floral wreath and offered fateha on Friday.
He was accompanied by his elder daughter Bakhtawar. For the first time, PPP Chairperson Bilawal and Assefa Bhutto Zardari were not seen with their father. Confusion reigned as PPP leaders issued contradictory statements to justify Bilawal’s absence.
PPP Secretary General Latif Khosa said, “Chairman is unwell in London, therefore, he cannot attend the event.” But Sherry Rehman said that Bilawal would not arrive back to the country due to security concerns.
There were reports of differences between Bilawal and his father but the PPP leaders bluntly rebutted the suggestion, calling it a mere speculation.
Unlike every year, Garhi Khuda Bux and Naudero will not witness a big crowd from other parts of the country as the party has decided to organise the events at divisional levels.
Apart from Naudero, an event is to be held in Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2014.
COMMENTS (7)
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Benazir was such a charismatic and intelligent leader. These fools want to ruin the country by power politics thats it. Like father like sun!!
@Usman: None of the parties are Mr. None of em have the tools to do the job properly? Above all... Chances are bleak due to selfishness and corruption.
There is no confusion. Bilawal and Zardari have differences.You have to be intelligent enough to understand that.They wont say that in a statement. I think this is good for the party. Something good will come out of it. Either Bilawal will revolt or will fired.This 'missing in action' status,is no good for him or the party.
None of the perpetrators of East Pakistan debacle and their off springs died natural death. Bhutto, Mujib and Indira Gandhi and their children were mercilessly butchered leaving behind a lesson for those who want to undo Pakistan. BB death was tragic but she didn't die for the country. She was killed in power game.
Who cares? The PPP is not equipped for the 21st century, it has no understanding of the 'knowledge economy', sophisticated financial instruments which exist today, no understanding of the aspirations of the 21st century Pakistani. Good Riddance.
Good that they are dying their own death. They have already harmed the country enough!
Benazir's anniversary, Bilawal,s presence or absence has no effects on the national health. We are faced with much bigger problems. let PPP put its house in order and even if they fail, i could'nt care less. my point was, why such petty matters be making your headlines?