PPP to launch BB’s book

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Peoples Party will launch the last book authored by the Party’s martyred leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at a book launch ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday (today).
Penned by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, “Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West” contains Ms Bhutto’s own account of her final months in Pakistan, her brush with death as she braved an attack on her life at the October 18 homecoming rally, and her bold ideas on how to counter the menace of terrorism that today stands as the gravest threat faced by the Pakistani nation.
Ms Bhutto also argues that the West’s support for certain groups, including dictators, in a bid to stem terrorism, actually fuels the menace since these groups tend to serve short-term interests only. The book is considered to be the most informed insight into the issue of terrorism as it comes from a woman who led the government twice in Pakistan and headed the biggest and the most important political party of Pakistan, the moderate-leaning Pakistan Peoples Party. Ms Bhutto’s scholarly credentials, her vast experience and exposure of the both the western and the eastern world and her standing as an authority on issues related to Pakistan add volumes to the credibility of this book that most unfortunately turned out to be her last book”.
Sherry Rehman, Central Information Secretary Pakistan Peoples Party is organising the launch of Ms Bhutto’s book, which is being published by Harper Collins and is being distributed by the Liberty Books in Pakistan. The book launch will be addressed by noted journalists and analysts who had the opportunity to observe Ms Bhutto’s government from close quarters. Speakers include renowned journalist Ahmad Rashid who is also the author of famous books ‘Taliban’ and ‘Jihad’, senior journalist and author ‘Frontline Pakistan’ Zahid Hussain, and former foreign secretary and ambassador to Iran Tanvir Ahmed Khan. Sherry Rehman too will share her thoughts on the book with the audience.
Linking the book launch with the forthcoming elections, Rehman said that as the public goes to polls next week, ‘Reconciliation…’ stands as a reminder that terrorism is a staunch everyday reality in the life of an average Pakistani and it can only be countered by moderate political forces. “Reconciliation… should not only be seen as a book penned by Mohtarma, it is a thought and an agenda that comes from the heart of a Pakistani who wants an end to the madness that threaten the very stability of the country. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto speaks for 160 million Pakistanis who stand for a progressive, peaceful, terror-free Pakistan.”
Rehman informed that the book is being hailed by independent reviewers as the most important document for understanding Pakistan. “Coming from a source as authoritative as Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the book not only ives an insight into the factors that fuel terrorism, it also presents strong arguments to dispel the famous impression that Islam and democracy are incompatible.”
Rehman pledged that her Party will follow in the footsteps of the slain leader and work towards ridding the country from the menace of terrorism. “Mohtarma was very clear in her stand regarding terrorism.
She saw it as a completely unacceptable option even if it were used as means to pursue the country’s so-called strategic interest. She stood as the only force between the people of Pakistan and the elements supporting any form of terrorism. In her loss, the nation lost a hope and a promise for a better tomorrow. The PPP will do all it can to fulfil our leaders commitment to the people of Pakistan to lead the nation on the path of progress.”
PPP Vice Chairman, Makhdoom Amin Fahim has said that the masses will vote for PPP in upcoming general elections for the restoration of true democracy in the country.
Talking to PPP candidate from PP-190, Muhammad Ashraf here, Makdoom Amin Fahim said that elements plunged the country into deep crises would be rejected by the masses on Feb 18.
He said that Benazir Bhutto was symbol of federation and the party cannot hope justice from the Government and will take revenge of her assassination through vote, added by the veteran politician.
He underlined the need for bridging the gulf between provinces, adding that PPP will ensure autonomy of provinces after coming into power in order to reduce their deprivation, he maintained.
He said if rulers tried to rig the upcoming general for the victory of king party, it would be dangerous for the country.
Vice Chairman Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Makhdoom Amin Fahim Monday said popularity of the party was fast increasing among the masses as its leadership rendered unmatched sacrifices for the cause of democracy.
Talking to a private television (CNBC) he said party leadership was committed to take the party to new heights by introducing welfare-oriented policies for the common man after coming into power.