One year ago Pakistan lost one of its biggest political leaders on this day. Benazir Bhutto was brutally assassinated while she was returning from a political campaign. Assassinations and executions are not a new reality for dictatorial regimes. But it is rather intriguing that three members of Bhutto family should meet such an unnatural death.

Benazir Bhutto will always have her special place in world history and politics. It is not often that we see a Muslim woman as a head of political party in an Islamic nation. Her very presence as a big political player in Pakistan politics for years nullifies all so called conservatism and gender subjugation that is often associated with Islam.

The history and personal journey of politicians is never totally spotless. Benazir too tried to play her dirty game to get back to power in Pakistan and managed to partly achieve her goal. Pakistan is not only without General Pervez Musharaff at helm but also without any other Army General leading from the front. It is unfortunate that she was not allowed to live to see the dawn of new Pakistan. It took many men, meticulous planning and brutal attack to eliminate her.

Time alone will tell whether all militancy will be eventually wiped out and true democracy will reign in Pakistan. But Benazir Bhutto will always be remembered as a strong lady standing tall in all men’s land!!

Via BBC