I have had the honour of knowing and working with Shaheed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in various capacities, during the last 35 years of her life.
Bibi left us when Pakistan needed her the most – for its immediate survival. She knew this. Which is why she would constantly shrug aside, with utter contempt, any threats to her life.
I had a few memorable sittings with her before she left London for Pakistan. In those days, she seemed unafraid, notwithstanding the verbal attacks from then-President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Maybe she knew she would be killed, as during one of our conversations she said: “We must die for the cause we live for.” And then continued, if I remember correctly, “The path we choose will determine the outcome of the battle between extremism and moderation. By empowering the people and building political institutions, we can prove that the fundamental battle for the hearts and minds of a nation can only be won with democracy and not through the barrel of a gun.”
Yet, I tried to dissuade her from returning. She was not convinced. Before I realized how futile my attempts were she looked at me pensively and said, “I am confident about the future of Pakistan. I believe that a nation inspired by democracy, human rights and economic opportunity will turn its back decisively against extremism. I look forward to the day that a truly democratic Pakistan, unhindered by extremists and military rule, takes its place on the world stage.”
Those were her last words, and what wonderful words they were. May her dreams for Pakistan come true.
Hasan was the former High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom