Pakistan Papers Upbeat About Bhutto's Return

Oct 17, 06:42 AM

Current Headlines: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan tomorrow, 18 October. At a press conference in Dubai on 17 October, broadcast live by ARYONE and Aaj TV, the leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said her return was aimed at bringing democracy back to Pakistan.

Bhutto's homecoming featured prominently in the country's English- language press on 17 October, eclipsing media interest in the Supreme Court hearings on the eligibility of Gen Pervez Musharraf to cotnest the presidential election which resumed the same day.

Writing on her imminent arrival, Lahore-based English newspaper The Post warned the government in an editorial not to repeat the "mistake" it had made with another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif.

"Benazir Bhutto's homecoming is turning into an ugly bout between the government and the PPP," it wrote.

"Be that as it may, creating a situation of harassment to stop a leader of a major political party from returning to her homeland is an undemocratic step. By deporting Nawaz Sharif, the government committed a mistake; by using dubious tactics to stop Benazir Bhutto, it will only repeat that mistake, and suffer worse consequences."

In an opinion piece published in the Lahore-based moderate English paper Daily Times, businessman Munir Ataullah expressed optimism about Bhutto's return.

"Like her or not, none of our frontline national politicians can match Benazir Bhutto in political maturity, sagacity, and sophistication," he said.

"No one apart from her has given much evidence that they fully comprehend, let alone have answers for, the complex and daunting problems we face today as a nation."

Islamabad-based Pakistan Observer echoed the optimism though it added a word of caution.

In an editorial the paper said: "Return of BB [Benazir Bhutto] is a milestone in the political history of the country, as after a long time one of the major parties would get a level playing field in the forthcoming general elections. Her presence would hopefully make elections really interesting and people of Pakistan would get a chance to make better comparisons during electoral battles...

"However, while welcoming BB we would, at the same time, suggest that she should, in no way, get her corruption cases condoned by GHQ [Army Headquarters] and instead let the legal process take its due course."

Commenting on the announcement of a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) giving her amnesty from corruption cases, it added: "We are saying this because withdrawal of cases through promulgation of presidential ordinance has widely been resented by the people and this factor would tarnish her image and popularity."

However, despite all the buoyancy, Bhutto's return to Pakistan is expected to be fraught with challenges, not least because the ruling Pakistan Muslim League - Qaid-i-Azam faction (PML-Q) has reservations about the reconciliation talks with Bhutto.

In an editorial the Islamabad-based and widely read progressive English daily Dawn wrote: "The PML-Q's desire to make life as difficult as possible for Ms Bhutto is perfectly understandable. The incumbents came to power through an election whose authenticity convinced no one and remained in office only by hanging on to the coat-tails of Gen Musharraf."

The paper added: "True, Gen Musharraf has also asked Ms Bhutto to delay her return. But then he is the person who offered the NRO to the People's Party and, pending a court decision, there is no knowing if he can live up to his word."

Sources: As listed

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