October 18
Massacre
By Naveed Khan
San Jose, CA
There is no identification of the culprits in
the Karachi massacre of October 18. Government
functionaries declared it a suicide attack and
blamed it on Taliban and Al-Qaeda at the outset,
thus absolving themselves of any culpability.
I am wondering why would Taliban or Al-Qaeda target
Benazir, who has no power to harm them? In addition,
these extremist groups usually are candid about
their targets and motives.
The ruling elite have allowed Benazir in the country
and if she plays politics by their rules, she
would be given some power. However, if she chooses
confrontational and agitation politics, this carnage
was a stark reminder that she could be eliminated.
The people who advocate and practice violent politics
are all in the government of General Musharraf.
In his eight years of military dictatorship, he
has used force and violence to stifle political
and ideological opposition. The murder of Akbar
Bugti, massacre of Lal Mosque students, killing
of political opponents during Chief Justice’s
rally on May 12 in Karachi are a clear expression
of this government’s tactics and mindset.
Unless, the investigators provide reliable proof
of the culprits, I remain convinced that it is
the work of present government and its allied
parties. It is obvious that MQM, Chaudhry Brothers,
Dr. Arbab Rahim stand to benefit the most if Benazir
is eliminated. It would enable them to continue
their stranglehold on the economic resources of
Pakistan.
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