Bhutto should not expect smooth ride

Dubai: Benazir Bhutto's return will not give her a smooth political ride as was expected earlier, due to important developments since she announced her return plans.

Even after pulling all strings and negotiating a "deal" with President General Musharraf, who later issued a controversial amnesty ordinance to withdraw corruption cases against political leaders, giving her the green signal to return, Bhutto is facing a number of challenges on the political and security fronts.

She is being asked by the government to stay away ostensibly because of threats from militants. But, in fact, the ruling party does not want her to come back because it is not ready to share power with Bhutto.

The only relief, which was given by Musharraf in the form of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), is also gone for the time being, as the court has put on hold the implementation of the NRO, which provides amnesty to political leaders - including Bhutto - from graft cases from 1986 to 1999.

Under these circumstances, chances of her being arrested on graft charges are not being ruled out, although she has never been convicted.

Powerful post

Under the deal, Bhutto agreed to accept Musharraf as president if he quits the powerful post of army chief. He promised to do so if he is elected president. Although, he was elected, he is not happy with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for boycotting the elections.

Also, the apex court of the country is to start hearing today the opposition challenges to Musharraf's eligibility for another presidential term. Musharraf has said he would not shed his uniform until a verdict is given.

This will again be a political hazard for the PPP because it will be against the manifesto of the party to form any kind of alliance with the military ruler. It is not yet clear whether Bhutto will campaign for the next general elections as an ally of Musharraf or against him.

If she runs against him, her next demand on the "deal agenda" to strike down a constitutional clause that gives the president discretionary powers to dissolve assemblies and government, may not see the light of day.

In case of opposition, Musharraf will probably turn a deaf ear to Bhutto's demand to reverse a constitutional amendment that bars a prime ministerial candidate from seeking more than two terms in office. In this case, she will not be able to run for the top slot in the government.

Bhutto, whose PPP got the maximum number of votes as a single party during the last general elections in 2002, vows to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country. Her statements against militants and possible alliance with Musharraf, who is a key US ally in the war against terrorism, have angered the militants currently fighting against the Pakistan army.

"Our suicide bombers are ready to greet her on her arrival," Bailtul Mahsud, the militant leader, who reportedly kidnapped around 300 Pakistani soldiers, had earlier threatened Bhutto in a statement reported in the media.

But Bhutto said: "I am not afraid of life threats because people of Pakistan are with me and I am going back for them."