ISLAMABAD, 14 October 2007 — Pakistani leaders yesterday told former Premier Benazir Bhutto to delay her return until the Supreme Court rules on a government amnesty on corruption charges against her.
Benazir, the first woman leader of an Islamic nation, is set to arrive in Pakistan next Thursday after eight years of self-imposed exile to campaign for key general elections in January.
But President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz separately urged Benazir to delay her return.
First it was President Musharraf who in an interview with a private TV channel suggested, “Benazir Bhutto should delay her return in view of two important court cases.” One case which will confirm Musharraf’s re-election or disqualify his nomination and the second case relates to the national reconciliation ordinance which provides immunity to politicians for the period 1985-1999.
Prime Minister Aziz, perhaps encouraged by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) made a similar suggestion at the iftar party hosted by former President Farooq Leghari, saying ”her early return would create a political turmoil.”
But information secretary of the PPP Sherry Rehman brushed aside all the excuses and told the press yesterday, “We have made all arrangements to receive our leader. The government is now feeling nervous because millions of people will receive Benazir Bhutto who is coming home after many years.”
Two government ministers also said she should wait until the court ruled on the legality of Musharraf’s amnesty signed a week ago. The controversial reconciliation ordinance was supposed to pave the way for a Musharraf-Benazir power-sharing deal ahead of the elections.
“After yesterday’s development in the Supreme Court it is a different scenario. Benazir Bhutto should delay her return till the challenges are cleared,” said Deputy Information Minister Tariq Azim.
Benazir’s highly anticipated homecoming to her powerbase of Karachi comes after she fled to Dubai and London to avoid corruption charges arising from her two terms in power.
Azim said Benazir could still face corruption charges if the court overturns the accord, adding that the government would abide by any court decision.
“If the court declares the national reconciliation ordinance null and void, then all cases and charges against her will be reinstated. “Such a situation could create political turmoil,” he told AFP.
“But she is free to come back, this is just friendly advice,” he added.
The graft charges against Benazir refer to $1.5 billion which she and her husband allegedly siphoned off during her time as premier between 1988-1990 and 1993-1996.
— With input from agencies
