Conspiracy to break country still at work

Pakistan Observer

PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s first visit to Jati Umra on Sunday has special significance in many respects. It is quite evident that the top leadership of the two major Parties in the new coalition exchanged views on crucial issues regarding formation of the Government in Punjab as well as their strategy to deal with the challenges ahead. However, by saying that the visit was aimed at offering Fateh at the grave of father of Sharif brothers, Mr Zardari has inculcated a goodwill gesture that would bring the two sides still closer.

During their joint news conference, the PPP leader made some of the very significant statements including the intention to change the system. This is what the country needs to overcome the multi-directional crises that confront us today. Genuine reforms in police and judiciary is the surest way to bring about a revolution for the good of the common man who is fast getting alienated because of the discriminatory culture that favours the rich and influential class. However, on this occasion, Mr Zardari thought it appropriate to sound alarm bells by saying that assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a conspiracy to break the country and it is still at work. Such a statement coming from a person of Zardari’s stature, who is head of the ruling Party, is bound to cause anxiety and concern in different circles. We don’t know whether it was just a rhetoric and off-the-cough remark or the PPP leader has substantial evidence with him to say so. But in any way, we believe, Mr Zardari being important part of the system, should adopt cautious attitude in the selection of words while answering ticklish questions. This is because such a perturbing statement has far-reaching implications for the society and the country. It not only undermines confidence of the people in the future of the country but also sends wrong signals to prospective investors. Pakistan is lucky that almost the entire political leadership of the country has joined hands at the Centre and in Provinces and this offers unique opportunity to address all sorts of challenges and thwart nefarious designs of our enemies. The leadership should, therefore, make deliberate attempts to boost confidence of the people, as this will prove to be an asset in overcoming the problems facing the nation.