Bomb victims’ rehabilitation DAWN 10/25/2007

Bomb victims’ rehabilitation

http://www.dawn.com/2007/10/25/letted.htm#2

WHEN there were ominous threats to PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto from the beginning of her journey to Pakistan on Oct 18, where was the PPP wisdom to collect hundreds of thousands of people on the road and jeopardise their lives? The only reason their leadership gives is that it was their democratic right to stage a rally. But under such dire circumstances? What happened was a colossal tragedy that traumatised the nation and tarnished its image internationally.

There is no foolproof security nor is it possible for any government in our predicament to control and protect mammoth crowds. If the purpose of all this show was to assert Ms Bhutto’s massive following, it was well-managed and funded also to satisfy her patrons abroad.

Now that so many party volunteers and public men have been killed and maimed, I do not see that the PPP has chalked out any plan to help the victims and their families financially. It is the responsibility of the PPP to take adequate care of them and spend adequately on their rehabilitation and relief as they have done on galvanizing an assemblage to welcome Ms Bhutto and prepare a luxurious float for her. Mere salutes to the victims and their families will not suffice.

MOHAMMAD ALEEM SHAIKH
Karachi