Bhutto's interview with : Paris Match

This is translated from this link using Google Language translation .

Interview with our special envoy in Karachi Olivier O'Mahony

Friday, October 19, between 4 and 5 o'clock in the morning, Benazir Bhutto has been in her home, at her home in Karachi, Bilawal House. It was surrounded by those who were with her in the truck during the explosions, clothing still soiled with blood. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, still in shock from the attack, we gave his first reaction to the bombing which was designed and has cost the lives of more than 130 people.

Paris Match. How did you survive?

Benazir Bhutto. They tried to kill me, I was lucky. Minutes before the explosion, I am down inside the truck to reread the political discourse that I had to decide later. I was protected by armored walls of the truck and that's what saved me. I heard the first explosion, and then I saw the second, which I expected. My husband has often said that those who commit these attacks are still returning to two or even three times. The first bomb used to pull people, the second, completing them or kill them.

Paris Match. You have been evacuated immediately?

Benazir Bhutto. Yes. I wanted to stay because I feared a third fatal explosion. I said: "Evacuate!" . But since there was a fire, it has not left me a choice. I found myself in a car and returned here in this house. Go to the hospital support victims as I wanted might create too many complications on the spot.

Paris Match. What has exactly happened just before the attacks? What was your state of mind?

Benazir Bhutto. Just before the attacks occurred, I was very happy. The procession was a huge celebration, the atmosphere was festive, people danced in the streets, it was magnificent. For me, the real Pakistan, it is that. And then, half an hour before the explosions, we received a call of the intelligence services of the government. They warned us that the police had just received a bomb threat and she took very seriously. So they sent out a team to neutralize a suicide bomber armed with a belt packed with explosives found, according to them, near the truck where I was. It is these young people who have died during the explosions. They gave their lives to defend ourselves.

Paris Match. That night, at 4 o'clock in the morning, the attack had not yet been claimed. Who tried to kill you?

Benazir Bhutto. I know exactly who wanted to kill me. These are the dignitaries of the former regime of General Zia who are now behind extremism and fanaticism. We need to purge these elements still present in our secret services (Isi, N.d.l.r.). Many of them are due to retirements and then were rehired. They have a lot of power. For them, I represent a danger: if I back democracy in the country, they will lose their influence.

Paris Match. Are they behind the attacks last night?

Benazir Bhutto. The Taliban and Islamic extremists can not act alone. They can not carry out their suicide attacks since a cave in the mountains. They need a logistics, food, weapons and someone who oversees.

Paris Match. Or was it today to be held responsible for those attacks, to the extent that the President Pervez Musharraf has asked you several times to postpone your return?

Benazir Bhutto. I know that whenever announcing my intention to hold a major political meeting, the government will now answer me: "There are suicide bombers to your meetings, the risk is too great." But what happened is his fault, because he was not able to prevent this tragedy.

Paris Match. President Musharraf he telephoned you?

Benazir Bhutto. No, but I have been called by the Prime Minister and by the director of the Isi. (Intelligence services of Pakistan)

Paris Match. Are you afraid to die?

Benazir Bhutto. I am not afraid of death. When she must come, they come. It is something that nobody can control, not me more than another. God takes life and withdraws, it is our destiny. I believe that there is a life after, and it helps me to bear the idea of death. Not to be forgotten. I still live with the pain of the murder of my father and my brothers. But many people like me, I chance-là this is enormous. In Islam, withdraw someone's life is the worst of crimes. There are in Pakistan madrassas (Koranic schools) who practice brainwashing and drive some people to commit this crime. That night, I think first and foremost to all who have come to ensure our safety and who paid with their lives. They were full of youth for the future. I have a lot of pain for themselves and their families. Those who detonated the bombs wanted to kill the enthusiasm of the crowds that greeted me yesterday afternoon. But, fortunately for Pakistan, they have not been able to decapitate the movement for democracy.