Statement issued by
Shri L.K. Advani
Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha)

I am aghast at the news of the terrorist attack last night on the convoy of Benazir Bhutto in Karachi, within hours of her return from her eight-year-long exile abroad. The reported deaths of more than 125 persons in two bomb blasts show that the perpetrators of this barbaric act wanted to inflict maximum damage on an event that held the promise of the return of democracy in Pakistan. I am relieved that Ms. Bhutto has survived this bid on her life.

It is an irony that, at a time when tall claims are being made about Pakistan’s democratization, one former Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharief, was recently prevented from returning to his own country and another former Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, has been ‘greeted’ by a terrorist attack on her arrival.

I have always been of the view that Pakistan’s stability and progress, as also the normalization of India-Pakistan relations, are best guaranteed by the establishment of genuine democracy in that country, combined with a resolute fight against religious extremism and terrorism. Last night’s shocking incident in Karachi leaves no doubt whatsoever that the battle for democracy and the battle against terrorism are inter-related.

I join fellow Indians in conveying our solidarity to the people of Pakistan in this arduous two-pronged battle.