PPP; From Bhutto to Bilawal Bhutto.

Byline: Khalid Mahmood Rasool

Journey of democracy in Pakistan has never been smooth. Turmoil and tremors have been the hall mark of Pakistani politics causing ripples of uncertainty, fear of political extinction and a continued fight for an uninterrupted democratic process. Few political parties could hold substantial ground to stay relevant in all seasons of politics like Peoples Party of Pakistan (PPP) which proved probably the most resilient one in country's political arena. As PPP is undergoing through a transition to pass the reigns of its leadership to 3rd generation while struggling to redefine its relevance to national politics, the country's own power dynamics is passing through a paradigm shift as well.

It was December 27th in year 2007 that Benazir Bhutto fell victim to the brutal terror attack at Liaqat Bagh, Rawalpindi. After eight years in exile, raising three children in hard and harsh exiled life and fighting for her political comeback, Benazir Bhutto finally managed to return to Pakistan to lead her party in forthcoming election. Her charisma rekindled her party's hopes to turn the tides with more matured and energetic persona of iconic Benazir Bhutto. But, sadly nature had different plans for her.

The ghost of Liaqat Bagh struck again; she fell to the same fate as of Liaqat Ali Khan. Benazir Bhutto met with same fate; lost her life but the mystery of her assassination still shrouds till to date. With demise of Benazir Bhutto ended the exclusive blood line legacy of Bhutto family. Pakistan People's Party was up for a new transition; a paradigm shift occurred in leadership and its outfit.

Zulifqar Ali Bhutto has left behind a legacy which has inspired his followers till today. He happened to be one of the most brilliant politicians of our times. He was equally most admired by many and most contentious for the rest of the people. His legacy of raising the common man issues as main political agenda; Roti, Kapra aur Makan connected with millions of peasants and laborers who were hardly heard in electoral politics. Despite being one the most divisive politicians and his tragic departure from the scene through judicial but contentious verdict, his pro poor legacy has survived.

Benazir Bhutto emerged as political successor of her father. Repressive regime of Zia and all out efforts to marginalize the party had a severe toll on party's ranks and cadres. She along with Nusrat Bhutto, her mother, withstood those harsh days. She...