I will try to refrain from any political commentary on our website for the sake of differences in opinion among family members and friends, but I have to mention that the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, hits us hard personally. Many of you know that my uncle, J. Salik was the Minister of Population Welfare under her leadership. He knew her personally and she nominated him on several occasions for the Nobel Peace Prize, because of the good that he has done for his community, people and humanity in general. I feel sad for the loss of such a great leader who I personally respected and admired. She was a woman who was deeply appreciated by the people in a country where you might least expect to find a woman in charge. I held her in high regard for her courageousness and her strong will to fight for democracy. Sadly, I now feel that any hope for democracy was shattered with her death. I hope that someone proves me wrong.
Ultimately however, I feel extreme concern for those who are suffering in the wake of her assassination. I heard today that the local people cannot even buy bread because of the lockdown in many areas. My own family had to get bread from a local hotel. Please keep those who are suffering from this tragedy and the continuous other tragedies in that country, in your thoughts. It is our responsibility, not as Americans, not as Democrats or as Republicans, but as HUMAN BEINGS to consider their plight, ours.
Benazir Bhutto with my Uncle J. Salik