The article, given front page coverage in Saturday’s paper with the headline “Don?t preach to me about terrorists, says Zardari ? terrorists killed my wife” (online for Times subscribers), reveals that he took Cameron’s statement that Pakistan was looking both ways on terror personally.

And why shouldn’t he? In December 2007, his wife, then Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party and likely candidate for President Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated by terrorists while out campaigning (as I covered here).

President Zardari told Bronwen Maddox: “Everybody is sensitive, as we have lost so many people, including my late wife. So to have your credentials questioned does hurt sometimes. No matter how brave you are, it hurts.”

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Bhutto only a few months before her murder, if only for a few minutes, which followed a passionate speech at the Corn Exchange about democracy and freeing “her” people. A threat to the then incumbent government, and to terrorist organisations in the regions of Pakistan then (and, still, now) beyond the reach of the lawful authorities, she became a natural target as she insisted on meeting supporters.

David Cameron’s remarks have been called into question by many, and perhaps there is a modicum of truth to the assertion that they may have been a touch insensitive to the people of Pakistan who are trying to fight the tyranny of terrorism. But he hasn’t apologised, and nor should he.

The politics of Pakistan is a world away from the politics of the West. I tried to understand it during my time covering the bigger political stories there, but fell well short, and (admittedly) gave up.

To merely assert that they look both ways is short-sighted, and I do not believe for a second that David Cameron truly believes that that is the definitive. It was just a sound-bite, picked up by the left-leaning media and governmental opposition. It was not a command to fix their ways, but a warning that, as things stand, the way Pakistan handles the terrorist threat, and terrorists hiding in the country, will be the deciding factor in the short- and long-term futures of the war against terrorists.

I believe that David Cameron was right to make the comments he made. But I am but a humble blogger, and in international diplomacy, my opinions are nothing more than the annoying squiggly floater that occasionally appears in your eyes.

What matters is the bigger picture, and the way in which Pakistan responds to the comments. Which brings me back to the interview in The Times:

In spite of the clash, the leaders said that they had put their differences behind them. Mr Zardari described the discussion as “very good, very nice”. He added: “I think politicians can always come together and find a light in all darknesses.”

In November 2007, David Frost interviewed Benazir Bhutto for his Al Jazeera TV program “Frost Over The World”.

During the interview (extract below), Ms Bhutto talks about a man who had dealings with Omar Sheikh, “the man who murdered Osama Bin Laden“.

The statement went unchallenged, with many believing this was because, in the Arab world facing no Western censorship, this was a known and accepted fact.

That may or may not be true, however the BBC showed the interview on their website, censoring just the sentence in which Ms Bhutto says that Osama Bin Laden was murdered.

The problem was, when I turned off the DVD player, the TV automatically showed BBC News 24, and I felt a lump in my throat as the dangers of the state-controlled liberal propaganda machine denying the real threat to the gullible audience who believe them to be a constantly credible source played out before my eyes. My heart almost stopped.

They had finally got Ms Benazir Bhutto, the great hope for democracy in Pakistan.

Instantly I rushed to the computer to start blogging. But I came across a problem: how do I put into words all the jumbled-up thoughts running around my mind. So I did the only thing I could do: I reported the facts as laid out and promised personal commentary later. And here (slightly later than I was anticipating for various reasons) it is.

For me, the assassination was a tragic shock. In my mind, no-one in Pakistan resonated louder the needs and wants of the Pakistani people, and with beliefs including “democracy is the best revenge“, was their Country’s best hopes for securing free and fair elections.

But let me clarify for a moment; I have not built up a “whiter than white” image of Ms Bhutto. Her name is synonymous with allegations of corruption, and though many people may claim they are unfounded, there are others who provide minimal evidence, although I could not honestly say whether I believed she was, or was not, guilty.

What was important was the reason Ms Bhutto was alive – for democracy. She believed from an early age that she was born to lead, and she also knew the great importance in democracy.

It must be pointed out, however, that in recent months she, along with most other politicians with an eye on Pakistan, has displayed a very idealistic view of democracy, believing that, despite the fact that Pakistan has been living under blatant army rule since Pervez Musharraf, the then Military General, took over in a coup in 1999, the people would be able to seize power back just as quickly.

I believe that, deep down, despite her public calls for an instant open democracy, Ms Bhutto knew that it would take time for democracy to evolve in Pakistan, and the only way to start was to strike the power-sharing deal, manufactured by the United States, with Pervez Musharraf.

It was on this that Ms Bhutto returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007. She, of course, knew the immense risk she was facing, proven within hours of her return, when suicide bombers killed 136 supporters close to the convoy which was leading her to a rally in Karachi.

It was clear, then, that Ms Bhutto was indeed a wanted woman, that for all her supporters, there were probably just as many alive who wanted her dead, and by returning to Pakistan, Ms Bhutto silently declared that she was not afraid of what anyone may throw at her.

The President had other ideas, and swiftly placed her under house arrest on a number of occasions, for her “security”. And then, of course, on Thursday, December 27, 2007, she was cruelly assassinated by people who fear democracy, the greatest cowards of them all.

It was a major setback for democracy, and came close to being the tipping point, the final act of horror which sent the Country over the edge and into all-out civil war. They are by no means out of the danger zone, there is still rioting in the streets, arguments over the cause of Ms Bhutto’s death and it all looks like the one thing Ms Bhutto wanted, above all, would be delayed.

As many readers of this blog will know, I had the great pleasure of meeting Ms Bhutto back in August, when she came and spoke to our association. The video I took is now sought after by some, as one of the very last speeches she gave in the UK (the transcript of which should be on this site in the New Year).

Following the event, I wrote on this blog:

Ms Bhutto spoke of terrorism and dictatorships, saying “people don’t want terror” and that “democracy is the best way to undermine terrorism. Dictatorships fuel terrorism: a dictatorship needs an external threat to justify its existence in power and so lacks the will to take on the terrorists.”

Benazir Bhutto was a shining light to us all. Like every champion of a cause, there were those who sought to bring her down. They succeeded, or so they will claim.

The truth is that this is merely a setback for democracy in Pakistan. It came close to defeat, and they are not out of the woods yet. However Ms Bhutto’s murder has highlighted the dangers of living in a society where people are suppressed. Her murder has highlighted further her own cause, and angered her supporters into upping the volume on their calls for democracy in Pakistan.

There was once a time when maybe I’d say that they were right to call on President Musharraf to resign, but now I’m not so sure. The first thing that is needed in Pakistan is stability, and overthrowing the very height of government, the Head of State, just months following his election, is not going to provide that stability.

However it needs to be recognised, and accepted as far as possible, that the next elections, whenever they are held, will be at least partly rigged, just as they would have been partly rigged in favour of Benazir Bhutto had she still been alive to win.

It may sound ironic, but Musharraf and the United States had decided (and I fully agree) that the only way democracy would be able to develop in Pakistan is to ensure, by whatever means necessary, that the pro-democratic candidate won and became Prime Minister, even if it meant undermining democracy just this once.

Pakistan has a chance to come out of this tragedy a stronger, and eventually democratic, state, and it would be both a tragedy, and an insult to Benazir Bhutto’s legacy and memory, if that were halted as a result of her passing.

Bilawal, who has been renamed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari so as to continue to Bhutto dynasty, is currently studying Law at Oxford University, and so will be head in name only until he has completed his studies. His father, Asif Ali Zardari, will run the party until his return.

The 19 year-old said: “my mother always said democracy is the best revenge”, although he is too young to stand for Parliament, as his father called on the incumbent government to ensure the elections still went ahead as planned on January 8.

I will return to British political commentary in the New Year

The Right Reverend Michael Nazir-Ali, who was born in Pakistan, “was part of an audience in Kent which welcomed a visit from Ms Bhutto at the end of August.” He said in a statement: “Benazir Bhutto has been a personal friend for many years. Her murder is a body blow for freedom and democracy in Pakistan.”

The article continued: “Ms Bhutto was invited to Rochester in August by a former adviser, Rehman Chisti, now a Medway councillor and the Tories’ parliamentary candidate for Gillingham and Rainham. At the event held by the local Conservative constituency association, she addressed members of all parts of the Medway community while also speaking of her “great admiration” for Mr Nazir-Ali. She spoke of free and democratic societies being a “very precious gift”. One of her comments was: “I believe that democracy is the best way to undermine terrorism.”

Mr Nazir-Ali continued: “I do hope the elections can still be held and that the cause of democracy can survive this catastrophe. My prayers are for her husband, children and family – that they will be comforted at this time of grief. She will always be remembered for her commitment to Pakistan and her courage in public life.”

I am currently in the process of creating a transcript of the segment of Ms Bhutto’s speech which I have on film

“It is with great sadness that we pay this tribute to the life and work of Benazir Bhutto, who was cruelly assassinated on 27th December 2007.

“Ms Bhutto was our guest at a dinner on 26th August 2007. In her address, she spoke with dignity and clarity of her hopes of restoring democracy to the people of Pakistan and her aspirations for her country and her people.

“She was fully aware of the dangers she was facing on her return to Pakistan, but believed that her mission was of such importance that these must be faced. She was determined to clear her name of the allegations of corruption in a court of law and then lead her people towards their rightful place in the world.

“Ms Bhutto’s death is a tragedy for her family and friends, but is also a severe blow for her country and the people she loved and wished to serve.

“We were priveleged to have met her we join with all people of goodwill in mourning her death.

“Rehman Chishti and Brigita Amey

“The video below was taken by the webmaster, who organised a Guard of Honour for Ms Bhutto’s visit. He captured the last couple of minutes of Ms Bhutto’s speech to the association, which, sadly, turned out to be one of the last in Britain. Click here to read the press release of Ms Bhutto’s visit.”

[media:http://www.alanwcollins.co.uk/media/An evening with Benazir Bhutto.flv]

Source: Gillingham and Rainham Conservatives

My personal commentary on this will appear later 

Rainham Central Councillor Rehman Chishti has spoken to KOS Media of his shock of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto earlier today.

Cllr Chishti, who is also the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham and Rainham, is a former adviser to the former Pakistani Prime Minister, and continued to work with her right up until her death.

Cllr Chishti said “I have lost a dear friend who was not just a political friend – she was more like a mother. She was my mentor too. When I went to work for her in 1999 she was my mentor.

“She was the greatest politician I ever could have worked with – sincere, humble and down to earth. The world has suffered a great loss.

“My heart goes out to her three children and husband. I can’t believe she has gone.”

Following an election address in Rawalpindi, Ms Bhutto was shot in the neck by a gunman who then set off a bomb, killing at least 15 other people and injuring several more, according to the BBC.

The Spanish Online Newspaper 20 Minutos has claimed that, in fact, 25 people have been killed in the attack, which has taken place just two weeks before the elections which Ms Bhutto intended to contest.

Conservative Party Leader David Cameron has said: “This is an appalling act of terrorism. Today Pakistan has lost one of its bravest daughters. Those responsible have not only murdered a courageous leader but have put at risk hopes for the country’s return to democracy.”

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: “This is a dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was a courageous politician known throughout the world, not just Pakistan, for her forthright and sometimes controversial views. Her tragic death is a hammer blow against the dream of pluralism and tolerance in modern day Pakistan. In the light of her brutal assassination, the need for the full restoration of democracy in Pakistan in now paramount.”

Labour’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: “I am deeply shocked by news of the latest attack in Rawalpindi, which has claimed the life of Benazir Bhutto and killed at least 15 other people. Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country. She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her.”This is a time for restraint but also unity. All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people. In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed. The large Pakistani community in the United Kingdom will be gravely concerned about these latest developments. Let me reassure them that the UK government will continue to work with all those who want to build a peaceful and democratic Pakistan.”

In August, Ms Bhutto spoke at a Gillingham and Rainham Conservatives Association function, during which she said “democracy is the best way to undermine terrorism”. Since she returned to Pakistan, she has been defiant against the threats to her life, and continued her campaign for free elections after a first failed assassination attempt and numerous house arrests.

And now, it seems, Ms Bhutto has paid for her brave defiance with her life.

Personal comment from me later

[media:http://www.alanwcollins.co.uk/media/An evening with Benazir Bhutto.flv]

His spokesman Rashid Qureshi told the BBC that the President, who has faced pressure to resign as head of the army, will do so before he takes the presidential oath of office on Thursday.

Update 16:23

“It is very clear that Musharraf will take the oath as president on Thursday,” his spokesman Gen Rashid Qureshi told the BBC Urdu service. “Before that he will hand over his army post to Gen Pervez Kiani.” The man he toppled in the coup, Nawaz Sharif, returned to Pakistan after years of exile on Sunday. Mr Sharif and Benazir Bhutto have each served two terms as prime minister. Under current law that would bar them from being prime minister for a third term. Both leaders have now filed nomination papers to contest parliamentary elections due in January.

When Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan after eight years of self imposed exile, she knew she was stepping off the aircraft and into uncertainty. However, it is unlikely even she could have predicted that, after just 26 days back living in her native Country, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan would definitively break with the military dictator who was farcically elected President, and rule out a power-sharing deal, supported by the UK and the USA, which could have seen Ms Bhutto become Prime Minister for the third time.

However, the first question we have to ask ourselves of that idealistic outcome, which will now be seen to have been killed by Ms Bhutto herself, is simple: what, exactly, were the chances of Ms Bhutto actually become Prime Minister under General Pervez Musharraf’s Presidency? Of course, once we have discarded the spin being put across by the British and American governments, we quickly see that the chances were, and always have been, relatively small indeed.

President Musharraf has always believed that Ms Bhutto was one of those most responsible for the desperate situation which he used to seize power in 1999 – and as our own Conservative Party keeps reminding us, if you are part of the problem, how can you be part of the solution? The trouble is, in a desperate Country now lacking a Constitution and even the most basic of freedoms for politicos looking to help work towards a solution, only Ms Bhutto has provided any kind of strong opposition to Musharraf’s disgraceful maltreatment of his judiciary and vocal critics.

The finality with which Ms Bhutto ruled out serving as Prime Minister under Musharraf may even make the USA sit up and think. They had been wagering on a power-sharing deal between the two to provide Musharraf’s regime with a ‘democratic’ face, hoping for the President’s slide in popularity amongst the international community to be countered and acceptance granted. They want Musharraf to remain President because he is the helping them fight their war against terror, and his deposition could prove devastating for their war against extremism and for Pakistan. Even Musharraf has admitted that “extremists are roaming around freely in the country”.

But the acceptance they were looking for has not come. Worse, Pakistan is once again on the verge of being suspended from the Commonwealth since Musharraf had the foresight to suspend the Constitution for the second time in his Presidency, and the third time since it came into effect on August 14, 1973. Rehman Chishti, one of Ms Bhutto’s advisers, told the BBC soon after the State of Emergency was declared on November 3 that “these are desperate measures by a desperate man trying to cling to power.”

These are indeed desperate measures, bearing in mind Musharraf has twice ordered the “detention” (house arrest) of Ms Bhutto since November 3, citing security reasons. However, on both of these occasions Ms Bhutto was due to lead her party and its supporters on protests for democracy in Pakistan. And on both of those occasions any such protestors were swiftly rounded up and arrested.

The irony of me, a Christian conservative, supporting an Islamic socialist in an Islamic state is not lost on me. However there are two underlying principles to remember: as a Christian I believe in peace and as a conservative I believe in stable democracy. At present in Pakistan, neither is being delivered, and the only people to suffer as a result of this failure are the people themselves.

“But hang on!” you may cry as you read this, “Musharraf has expressed his wishes for elections in January.” Indeed the President did announce that he would like to see legislative elections on, or before, January 9, but what the man giveth with one hand, the man taketh with the other. There is no guarantee that any elections held will be free and fair, and, whilst he masquerades around in his home media as the champion for democracy, he is hastily ordering his army and police to round up anyone seen opposing his regime, with judges and opposition supporters at the top of his hit list.

One such prisoner is Aitzaz Ahsan, the president of the Bar Association, who said that “Musharraf is acting like a spoilt child and bad loser. He is holding the whole country hostage to save his position.” Most onlookers and commentators agree. However, those such as Donal Blaney are opposed to calls for the people of Pakistan to get involved and have their voices heard. Mr Chishti said “there is nothing wrong in people coming out on to the streets in a peaceful way to say they don’t like a certain course of action” and was swiftly treated almost as harshly as Musharraf himself, who is in the process of trying to silence such protestors.

Calls from people such as Aitzaz Ahsan and Benazir Bhutto are falling on death ears in the Western world, and whilst the superpowers sleep, Pakistan’s democratic progress is being set back years by Musharraf’s regime. Open democracy in Pakistan has been revoked in favour of a farcical display by a President who is yet to hear whether or not his re-election was legal. In times like these the only option left is for people to take to the streets and protest. Only then will their voices be heard. Only then will the fight for democracy be strong. And only then will the International Community open their eyes to the disgraceful behaviour they have tolerated for far too long in Pakistan.