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Cover Story Inside Old Wine, Old Bottle The Supreme Court judgement in the Cotecna case raises hope in the PPP ranks. By Massoud Ansari
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The economic meltdown, the water shortage, the worsening law and order situation, the increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom and the scorching heat, nothing discouraged hundreds and thousands of Benazir Bhutto's supporters who thronged to Larkana town from every nook and corner of the province to commemorate the 22nd death anniversary of slain PPP leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This was one of the largest such gatherings in recent history. Fiery speeches were made amidst resounding slogans of "Wazir-e-Azam Benazir ", as the party workers vowed to bring their exiled leader back to power. There was a smile on every face as they seemed convinced that lady luck was once again knocking at their door. A large number of PPP leaders showed up this time, apparently in the wake of the apex court's decision on April 6, which set aside the conviction of Benazir Bhutto and her spouse and ordered retrial in the SGS Cotecna case. At the birth anniversary of Mr. Bhutto observed three months earlier on January 5, the turnout had been low. Since the day of Bhutto's death anniversary, April 4, fell on the10th of Moharram, the PPP Central Executive Committee decided to observe the anniversary on April 14 . An army of people started pouring into Larkana days before the function was to be held. Says a local, "The restaurants were over-crowded all the time and there was hardly any room, even in the worst hotels." In fact, many PPP leaders had to share rooms while others ended up in makeshift accommodation. The decision of the Supreme Court in the Cotecna case against Ms. Bhutto has raised hopes in the ranks and file of the PPP. Followed by a flurry of statements by the exiled leader, the decision has led to widespread speculation. Many PPP activists who had vanished from the Bilawal House scene are now calling from all over the country to offer their services. Delegations of party workers led by leaders from different parts of the country arrive almost every day at Bilawal house. Party meetings, which had become rare, are now being regularly held in every town and the number of participants in these meetings has increased. At a meeting called in Larkana district soon after the decision of the apex court, jubilant workers turned up carrying packets of sweets. Says a local PPP activist, "I've haven't seen such a large number of people at district meetings for years and there was hardly any leader missing." Many other leaders of the PPP were seen distributing sweets in various parts of the country, celebrating the Supreme Court's decision. Some leaders flew to Dubai and others to London to share her moment of triumph. Others sent her congratulatory messages and those who received replies were proudly displaying them in their private gatherings. A whole lot of influentials from other political parties have joined PPP in recent times, while others are still trying to find their way into the PPP fold. Qazi Shafiq Mahesar, former PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) provincial chief, and former PML(N)-backed MPA, Amir Bakhsh Junejo are two of many converts who have jumped onto the PPP bandwagon, announcing their decision soon after the apex court set aside Benazir Bhutto's conviction. Highly placed sources reveal that when Benazir Bhutto held a Quran Khwani at her residence in Dubai on April 4 on the eve of her father's death anniversary, amongst those who attended the gathering were her erstwhile opponent and former Sindh Chief Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi. Sources said that he has sent a request to the PPP to join the party, but a decision about his joining has yet to be made. Political observers believe that most politicians are trying hard to jump onto the PPP bandwagon for various reasons. Says an observer, "Politicians from opposing groups are left with little choice after the PPP's performance in the local bodies polls, the sudden exit of Nawaz Sharif from politics and his departure to Saudi Arabia." He argues that they are hesitant to join Mian Azhar, in spite of the chance of reaping immediate benefits, because such a decision may not be in their long-term interest. In spite of the current euphoria, most observers believe that Bhutto
will not be allowed to stage a comeback because of the host of corruption
cases pending against her. During the last two years of her self-exile,
credible PPP circles have often announced the glad tidings that
Ms. Bhutto would soon end her self-exile and descend on the motherland
to guide the destiny of the nation. But after every announcement
her arrival is made conditional to the approval of a few handpicked
CEC members, who always come out with the apprehension that she
would be assassinated if she returns to the country in the present
circumstances. Once again, the CEC has announced that she will return
to the country in the month of November. Time alone will tell whether
she will return actually to take up the challenge - another postponement
of the great day may be on the cards.
E-mail: newsline@cyber.net.pk Home
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