BRITAIN and America want to see democracy established in Pakistan (Bhutto editorial, Comment and Focus, last week). But is the country ready for this? Born 60 years ago as an Islamic polity, it has been ruled for more than half its existence by the military, which maintained a strong alliance with America – over the decades US dollars have poured in, in the form of military and economic aid.

It is the army which is much better equipped to combat the forces of terror emanating from the mullah-madrasah axis than a weak civilian government. The choice for Pakistan is whether to have a potentially corrupt and inept civilian government in exchange for economic prosperity and stability under the military.

Sam Banik
London N10

WOMEN’S CHAMPION: Benazir Bhutto should also be remembered as an international advocate for women and children, born or unborn. As a pro-life feminist, Bhutto urged world leaders to address health issues including nutrition and immunisations. She argued for the protection of women from domestic violence and war and, as regards population control, focused on women-centered solutions. She was opposed to the promotion of abortion in developing countries and called the common practice of gender selected abortions “tragic”.

While only time will tell of the impact of her assassination on her country, one thing is clear: women and children have lost a powerful champion.

Michelle Nanasi Oranmore,
Co Galway

THE UK IMPACT: The Pakistani community in the UK is stunned and saddened by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Pakistanis all over the world were looking forward to a democratic election on Tuesday [now postponed].

There are almost 1m people of Pakistani backgrounds in Britain and many have strong family ties there. The negative perception of Pakistan has an impact on the social and economic development of this community.

British Pakistanis are longing to see stability in their country of origin that will lead to prosperity for its 160m people.

Dr Mohammed Ali
Chief Executive, QED-UK
Bradford

FORBIDDEN ENTITLEMENT: Islam actually forbids hereditary rule, as authority should be based on an individual’s merit and not on their bloodline. This lesson was quickly forgotten after the death of the prophet Muhammad. Difficult times ahead.

Farrukh Younus
Woking, Surrey

FRESH START NEEDED: However tragic Bhutto’s assassination, the truth is that she is a twice failed politician, as is Nawaz Sharif. I cannot understand why America, Britain and others invested so much capital in her. Failure would have been the outcome once again.

I suggest that the political parties in Pakistan should be urged to elect new leaders of a younger generation to form new policies, as only the new can. This could be a new dawn for Pakistan. Let us not build up one person to be the saviour of the nation. The saviour of Pakistan will be all of the people individually, and then the extremists will be isolated.

Shahid Allibhai
Loughton, Essex

Explore Letters

• Feedback