08009
January 4, 2008

Pakistan partner reflects on Bhutto assassination

‘Some form of normality’ has returned after week of turmoil

by Veeda Javaid
President, Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan (PEB)

Editor’s note: the following reflections by Veeda Javaid on the assassination of Benazir Bhutto — written immediately following her killing on Dec. 27 and then a week later — were received by PC(USA) World Mission officials on Jan. 3. — Jerry L. Van Marter

LAHORE, Pakistan, Dec. 28 — Pakistan faced another catastrophic day in its history: today the daughter of the nation gave her life for the nation — the most costly price the Bhutto family paid for the restoration of democracy.

A leader from the people by the people and for the people sacrificed herself for peace and justice for the people of her country. She who had love for the poor, stood against the militants. Most of her education was from church-run schools in Pakistan (Murree Convent and Karachi Convent School). She was supporter of minorities, a moderate Muslim, who had learned core values form her schools

Today the world grieves, and the whole of Pakistan mourns. Hundreds of thousands of mourners were weeping and chanting for justice. They continued to weep and beat their heads and chests.

Benazir’s assassination has triggered violence in the country. Enraged people came out from their houses and started putting in flames each and everything that came before them and soon many cities of Pakistan were burning. Nearly 300 banks were set ablaze, while more than 1,000 vehicles parked in Parking lots were also burned.

Police tried to control the situation but later gave up their efforts after observing people rage was beyond control. Many of them had no idea what they were doing, damaging their own country

All shops, business centers and petrol pumps are closed. No public transportation is available

The daughter of the East and a strong link with the West will never come back, but will live in the hearts of millions of people of the world. This cowardly act was designed to destabilize the country of Pakistan 

In her last speech  on Dec. 27, Benazir said: “We are prepared to risk our lives, but are not ready to surrender our great nation to militants.”

We at Presbyterian Education Board firmly believe that education is the key to bringing peace in this part of the world. We wish to have more church run schools than militant madrases. We wish to have more resources in this country to educate the masses. We wish to inculcate values so that people could understand the difference between right and wrong.

Benazir was a beacon of hope to make a difference

Thank you, dear friends, for your love and concern for my country, as so many of you have written to us, wanting to know about the safety of the schools and children. Schools returned to session on Jan. 2.

Please pray for Pakistan and her people, that we all emerge as a strong, united nation after this odious act.

LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan. 2 — Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your concern for Pakistan and its people and for your prayers during these days of turmoil following the assassination of Benazir Bhuttto on the Dec. 27.

Life in the country is gradually returning to some form of normality, though areas of Sindh, the Bhutto stronghold, are still experiencing problems. 

Here in Lahore we have returned to the office following the Christmas holidays and our schools have reopened.  Yesterday it was announced by the Election Commission that elections, due to be held next week, would be postponed until Feb. 18. Please pray that elections will take place as scheduled and for peace in the country in the run up to the elections.

Looking back, 2007 has been a year of political instability and strife.  The country has experienced the highest ever number of suicide bombings and civil unrest has been greater than in previous years.  We pray that 2008 will be a year of greater stability and peace for Pakistan and that democracy will prevail. 

We at PEB dedicate 2008 to building tolerance, love, peace and brotherhood as we work with children and young people, inculcating Christian values so that they can in turn influence others in all walks of life.  We dream of opening more schools in Pakistan as we strongly believe that education is the key for transformation in this society.

At PEB we live on hope, trust and faith; we hope for a better future for the people of Pakistan, we trust in our Lord who alone is able to transform people and situations, and we have faith that God’s plans and purposes will work out for each one of us and for the people of Pakistan.  

Your Sister in Christ