Musharraf following a 'fascist agenda': Benazir

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 30. The former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Ms. Benazir Bhutto, has accused the Musharraf Government of following a ``fascist agenda'' and declared her determination to return home to fight for the restoration of democracy despite threats of arrest.

In an exclusive e-mail interview to The Hindu here today, she said, ``I want to return to Pakistan sooner than later. I miss my home. My return is part of the democratic - rather than the legal - struggle.''

Ms. Bhutto feels the verdict of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has changed the ball game. ``On trial now are the trial judges who convicted me. The apex court decision frustrates the regime's efforts to throw me out of politics and deny the people of Pakistan my leadership.''

Asked to comment on the possible Talibanisation of Pakistan, she linked it to the lack of democracy. ``The concentration of power in a single individual or institution can assist the pro-Taliban forces seize power in Pakistan. They lack public support and are unable to win elections. Their agenda now is to concentrate power in the Army/President and climb to power through its veto of Parliament.

She also blames the military set-up for the present crisis. ``The military regime came in to end fascism and then adopted the fascist agenda to stay in office. Consequently it lost the support of the Pakistani people. It concentrated on vendetta and failed at governance. Today, debt is 106 per cent of the GDP, a record high. The country is isolated internationally, the economy is worse and accountability a hoax for political foes. It has been tall on promises and short on delivery.''

Ms. Bhutto, however, defers any decision on supporting any future presidential bid by Gen. Musharraf. ``When Gen. Musharraf asks the PPP and or ARD for support to become the President, the matter can be considered. For now it is mere speculation,'' she said adding the PPP was opposed to the offices of President and Army Chief being rolled into one.

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