On December 27, 2007, Pakistan lost a great leader, Benazir Bhutto, in an assassination. About four decades ago, Pakistan lost Zulifqar Ali Bhutto, leader and founder of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Till today, around 500-1000 people visit their mausoleums in Sindh, everyday.
Just after four days of Bhutto’s assassination, Asif Ali Zardari, her husband, created the slogan “Pakistan Khappay” a Sindhi phrase which means “Long live Pakistan” or “We want Pakistan”. Bhutto’s party won another election in February 2008 and Zardari became the president of Pakistan. Under his tenure, PPP made the 18th and 19th amendments to the constitution, which empowered provinces as per the wishes of the Benazir Bhutto. Her dream of powerful provincial governments came true.
However, the party lost election in 2013. Only the Sindh province voted PPP to power. Now PPP is based only in Sindh, which shows decline of people’s interest in party due to rampant corruption allegations. Unfortunately, the party is facing multiple issues in Sindh too, due to the apathy of the leaders towards its public.
The party went from left to right and now extreme right. Now, no one knows who is at the helm of affairs.
The new leader, Bilawal Bhutto lacks experience and decision making skills. He needs a proper think tank within and outside the party, to guide him honestly. Bilawal can re-establish PPP if he works hard.
The 2018 general elections are very close. If PPP doesn’t step up its game, then the party will loose ground in Sindh too. The leadership must think about their current communication strategy. I hope Bhutto’s political party under Bilawal’s leadership, will pay attention to mistakes of a decade after her assassination. - The reader is a freelance writer is based in Pakistan
