Bin Laden against my return, says Benazir

Lahore: The chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto said yesterday that Al Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden didn't want her to return to Pakistan, as he was against women's rule.

"The chief of Al Qaida didn't believe in democracy and has his own doctrine regarding women's rule," Benazir said while talking to CNN in Washington.

She said extremist forces including Al Qaida were trying to block her return "as they feel threatened during the rule of democracy in Pakistan".

The former prime minister said she is very well aware of the risks and dangers involved in her return during the current law and order situation but "hopes the government would provide security upon arrival."

"I have expressed my security concerns with the government, and I am hopeful I will be provided security on my return. In spite of all this, I'm determined to go back to my country."

Referring to the "assassinations" of her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and brother Mir Murtaza Bhutto, she said her past life was very horrible but she was hopeful about the future.

"I am aware of the threats but I have a strong belief in Allah," she said.

In reply to a question about the ongoing negotiations with President Musharraf, Benazir said she was initially hopeful about the success of talks and restoration of real democracy in the country.

"But some elements in the ruling party did not want the smooth transfer of power to the democratically election civilian administration, so they played their own game and I think they have succeeded," she added.

"We are no longer hopeful about the power-sharing talks with the government, because the government has failed to fulfil the promises."