Emotions are now subsiding. People are coming to terms with the new reality suddenly thrown upon them. A new reality - more dreaded, dangerous and draconian for the subcontinent.
Not only Benazir, but largely entire world as well as Pakistan knew the dangers in the path of her life. Yet, she was going full steam in last 2 months. Term it either love for her Country, democracy or her political sense that smelled power after 8 years of self-exile.
Now, many 'strategic thinkers' on TV channels will try to teach us how it is important, detrimental to democracy in Pakistan bla bla bla..... They would all be correct in one wayor another, after-all they are 'experts'!!
But, Pakistanis will really have some great (yes great) days in next few weeks since it is their first big cataclysmic event in the days of 24x7 news channels.
Pakistan too have around 5 - 8 private news channels and they all are firing full cylinders at the moment on this tragic death. With 24x7 news channels available this monumental tragedy for country also turns into some sort of 'sad entertainment'.
The turmoil and violence on the streets also helps to keep people glued to their Idiot Boxes.
Kids will get time off schools/madrassas and will utilize it to play 'cricket', Gilli-Danda, etc... on streets. Adults will find opportunity to 'display' their knowledge of situation. Ladies will love to be sad!! Most people become drawing room 'astrologers' on the future of the country and treat "TV news" as Crystal Ball!!
On a particular internet site, we too can see a Pakistani private news channel - Geo TV 24x7!!
Believe me, Average Pakistanis are having most 'entertaining' times of their lives!
Many will get jobs during the ‘Investigation’ process. News TVs will get great ‘masala’ for debates over ‘interim’ findings or leaks of the investigations.
This event reminds me of tragic murder of Rajiv Gandhi when popular emotions poured down the streets especially Girls Hostels across the country!! Many girls chose this occasion to shed their emotions publicly on various other issues of their personal lives!! I remember in my University Campus, in a 'condolence' meeting arranged by VC, how even most 'apolitical' and 'I hate Politicians types' girls were shedding bucket loads of tears!!
Back to Benazir: Al-Qaeda claimed the responsibility. May be they actually did it. But let's say, even if they didn't (couldn't) do it, what's harm in claiming responsibility?? It will re-establish their 'credibility' as Terrorist Group of 'top' order who deal in high profile 'cases' only.
It is not the first political murder in Pakistan and certainly NOT the last one either. Of course, with a condition - "If Pakistan stays a united nation in coming years".
After few months life will be back to 'normal' level in Pakistan. There will be a new Bhutto/zardari who will lead the political party of Benazir. USA will continue to support dictators in Pakistan knowing fully that only Army Generals can deliver what they want. India would continue to be a passive onlooker even if events threaten peace in the region. The Pakistanis will continue to live in 'sensational' mode. They love it.
Many strategic Thinkers will move on to some other topics till next big political murder is committed in Pakistan...
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