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Benazir Bhutto in Raleigh, NC
Benazir Bhutto in Raleigh, NC
- by Pasbaan
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On the evening of March 4, I was feverishly trying to find a parking space near Stewart
Theatre. However, I found myself thrilled that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was
delivering a significant lecture that day as part of a weeklong series of public programs at
N.C. State University exploring Islam and the Muslim world.
A very confident Benazir stepped up to the stage. She was articulate and in superb mastery of English language gave an eloquent keynote speech. She said the goal of U.S.policy must be to promote stability and to strengthen democratic values. She stated that restoring democracy in Pakistan and encouraging democracy in other countries in the region is essential for "defanging" terrorists. South Asia's regional security depends upon
a democratic Pakistan.
After her speech I met Benazir during tea at the house of Ayesha and Waheed Bajwa in
Cary. When I arrived I found Afroz Taj, John Caldwell, Fauzia Shah, Shabana and
Waheed Akhtar, Ghazala Sadiq, Hasan Ahmed and his wife already present. In the midst
was Benazir sitting on the sofa and chatting comfortably with all the guests. She came
across as a strong lady who has been through a lot, but she looked composed, talking
elegantly with everyone. I was impressed that she was able to come down to a different
level, while making others feel comfortable at the same time. The ambiance was relaxed
and no one felt any awkward distances, making the chemistry just right. Benazir liked the
cinnamon and grilled shrimp rolls from the huge sumptuous spread, which the Bajwas
had arranged in her honor.
We chatted with her about her plans for the forth-coming October elections in Pakistan.
What should be done to improve education and move her country more towards
democracy and a secularist path? She agreed with me that it was imperative to de-link
religion from politics in South Asia. Somewhat along the lines of separation of church
and state concept we have in the United States. Otherwise, South Asia would have an
ethnic, religious and sectarian holocaust. I left at midnight, knowing it had been an
exciting evening for Mehraab and for myself.
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