Memon terms Benazir assassination attack on democracy
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Nisar A. Memon Thursday said that killing of late Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto was an attack on Pakistani politics.
“Killing of Benazir Bhutto was an attempt by terrorists to derail the on-going democratic process in the country.”
Taking part in debate in Upper House overreference held for PPP chairperson Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he said that her martyrdom was a great and irreparable loss for the country and the nation as well. It was a great loss and tragedy particularly for the bereaved family, he said.
Memon said that President Pervez Musharraf notonly condoled the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December but also announced three-day national mourning over this national loss.
He said the question arises that what were thereasons that led to assassination of Benazir Bhutto and added that like President Pervez Musharraf, Benazir Bhutto bravely fought the scourge of terrorism.
He said this was the main reason that the terrorists attacked both the leaders as they were leading the war against terrorism.
The Minister said that “Benazir Bhutto was apopular leader and her popularity took her to the great destination of martyrdom.”
Memon said that Pakistan is marching towarddemocracy and passing through a phase of transition. He said the civilian President, Senate and the local government system are making efforts to continue the democratic process.
He said the terrorists killed Benazir Bhutto to damage and derail this on-going democratic process in the country.
“The leadership of Pakistan is also committed to continuing this process.” The Minister said that it was not an attack on PPP late Chairperson but on the politics and economy of the country.
He said the elements who attacked the national properties in the wake of Benazir Bhutto’s death were not political workers. They were the same elements who wanted to further damage the democratic process in thecountry.
Memon said that late Benazir Bhutto had come back to further strengthen the democratic process. “It is our common responsibility to work for smooth functioning of democratic process in the country.” The Minister recalled his interaction with BenazirBhutto in the past and appreciated her wisdom, intellect and devotion for development of the country and the people as well. He said she had no partisan approach as she took along all segments of society throughout her life.
He said today nation is united for promotion of democratic process, strengthening of economy, elimination of terrorism and sectarian violence.
He said “we will not allow any one to interfere in our internal matters. Our nuclear assets are in safe hands, he asserted.
He said the caretaker government is committed toholding free, fair and transparent elections in thecountry. He said all security measures will be taken to ensure perfect peace during this process.
Memon thanked Allah Almighty that due to effective security measures taken by the government no untoward incident took place during the Aashura.
At the end the Minister condoled with the bereaved family and the nation for the demise of Benazir Bhutto.
He prayed Allah Almighty to give courage to the bereaved family and the nation to bear this loss with equanimity.