By JEFF LIPTON
Standing up to terrorists, religious fanatics and extremists apparently was her tragic undoing when the opposition leader was assassinated in a terrorist attack last Thursday, less than two weeks before the Jan. 8 Parliamentary elections in Pakistan. Bhutto, 54, was shot to death during a campaign rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in an apparent attempt by terrorists to subvert the election process. Her assassin then blew himself up, along with 22 others at the rally.
In April 2002, Bhutto was the keynote speaker at Molloy's second annual Joseph F. Maher Leadership Forum, created to foster objective discourse on relevant topics affecting society. In her speech, Bhutto, a democratic ruler ousted from power in 1996, pledged to those in attendance that terrorism would not win.
"We deplore the violence that ended the life of someone so dedicated to peace and freedom., said Molloy President Dr. Drew Bogner upon hearing of the assassination of Bhutto. "It was a great honor to have this outstanding leader on our campus."
Edward Thompson, vice president for advancement at Molloy, who arranged Bhutto's speech, called last Thursday "a very sad day."
"I was very disappointed and disturbed," Thompson said of the assassination. "But I can't say that I was shocked, because she was taking a strong stance against extremism."
Thompson said he was among a group who spent about three hours with Bhutto at a reception before her address.. He described her as a "very poised and classy lady, who was also very, very intelligent. She was charismatic and very inspiring and carried herself as a true world leader.."
Bhutto held office from 1988 to 1990 and from 1993 to 1996, and was unconstitutionally removed both times. She was the first woman to become prime minister of a Muslim country, and was a strong advocate for women's rights. She said that before she took office, Pakistan was a breeding ground for extremists. She was in exile for eight years, living in the U.S. and London, until she returned to Pakistan in October.
Elmont resident Ali Mirza, the founding president of Americans of Pakistani Heritage Inc., said he was extremely concerned about the rioting and unrest in Pakistan that was sparked by Bhutto's assassination. Mirza has received several calls from Pakistanis living on Long Island whose relatives live in Pakistan, expressing concern for the safety of their loved ones. Mirza said his mother, who also lives in Elmont, is visiting his sister, who recently got married in Pakistan.
"I was shocked and saddened because something like this could happen and I am wondering what will happen now?" said Mirza, who recently lost a bid to unseat Legislator John Ciotti in the 3rd Legislative District. "What happens in Pakistan can affect peace and the fight against terrorism all over the world. Everybody is concerned about what is happening there and what is going to happen.
"Of course, everybody is worried about their families and relatives in Pakistan," Mirza added. "I talked to my mother [after Bhutto's murder] and told her to stay indoors and not to go outside. It is very sad."
Mirza expressed hope that the elections in Pakistan will go on as scheduled on Jan. 8 to strike a blow against terrorism. "Hopefully, the people are together for democracy," he said. "My fear is that if the elections are postponed, [the terrorists] and religious fanatics will gain even more power because they don't want the election to take place. They don't want stability to come to Pakistan."
Dr. Abdul Majeed, a member of the Islamic Center of Long Island, said he highly doubts that the election will go forward. "I would like to see it go on, but in a more peaceful way," he said.
" [Bhutto] was a well loved leader by a majority of people over there," Majeed said.
Dr. Nasir Gondal, a Pakistani who lives in Syosset, called Bhutto "a great leader and very brave. She stood out for her position on democracy and against religious fanaticism, and she eventually paid for that with her life."
Judy Rattner contributed to this story. Comments about it? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
