By IANS
New Delhi : Shock, condemnation and uncertainty about the future. Reactions of people in the Indian capital who have relatives residing in Pakistan were a cauldron of all such emotions and more after they received the news of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.
“One doesn’t expect something like this to happen to a political figure of Benazir Bhutto’s stature,” said Sania Saeed, Pakistani TV personality and social activist, who is here at the moment.
“We were expecting a new turn in our lives, in Pakistan’s life, after the elections. Lots of hope were attached to her…this has come as a complete shock to us. It’s a great tragedy,” Saeed told IANS with a slight tremor in her voice.
Saeed was one of the 40 people – artists, poets, writer, journalists, activists and advocates – from Pakistan, who were to take part in the event marking the death anniversary of noted Indian theatre artiste Safdar Hashmi Jan 1.
“I had come to India on a personal visit, to see my ailing grandmother. I was in Jaipur for some time before returning to Delhi Thursday, when I heard the news.
“The event organised by Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat) Jan 1 was also on the agenda. But now the rest of the people from Pakistan are not coming because communication has been affected. Even if they wanted to come, the fear that the borders might get sealed later has prompted them to drop their visit here,” Saeed said.
Jalaluddin, a resident of Preet Vihar, who has relatives in Karachi, is extremely worried at the recent turn of events.
“My sister-in-law along with her children came by Samjhauta Express from Pakistan today. We were very worried throughout the night, especially with the recent turn of events. Thank God, they reached safe and sound at around 4.15 a.m.,” Jalaluddin said, heaving a sigh of relief.
“But what has happened to ‘Mahotarma’ Bhutto is indeed unfortunate. When will these people understand that the people of Pakistan deserve ‘aman’ (peace),” he asked.
For Saira Bano, a resident of Old Delhi, it’s a harrowing time.
“My mother’s family is in Lahore and I am very worried,” she said.
“I have been glued to the TV ever since we heard the news of Benazir Bhutto’s untimely death. The violence erupting all over the country, torching of cars and everything else…I just hope that normalcy returns,” Bano said.
“This kind of politics must be condemned. It is indeed a sad day for Pakistan and the entire subcontinent. We deserve democracy, even if it’s a limping one,” Saeed said.