The recently launched book by former US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, titled 'No higher honour' 'takes pride' in 'bringing together Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto' for which Ms Rice says she 'toiled for many sleepless nights'.
But, whatever has been said or published in this context, there is no solid evidence available to prove that BB Shaheed was interested in the NRO. The actual facts are otherwise. She was never ever interested in the NRO, which would not end up in the restoration of democracy and in the resurgence of mainstream political forces. Her main goal, throughout, had been the revival of political-cum-democratic forces for which she even compromised with those political rivals who had perpetrated excesses on her and her husband, practically turning their rivalry into enmity.
If these facts are kept in view, the inference drawn is that BB Shaheed did make a compromise but it was not a compromise with undemocratic forces. Instead this compromise was inspired by a pragmatic vision and with the spirit of pardon. Paving the way for Nawaz Sharif's and Shahbaz Sharif's return was exactly in consonance with the spirit of pardon as she totally overlooked all those cases instituted at Sharifs' behest which had ruined her peace of mind as well as her public image. As for the pragmatic vision, it was very much manifest in her shrewd 'chess-move' to use the opportunity provided by the 'eagerness' of Musharraf and Condoleeza Rice to ensure the early and sure ouster of one of the most powerful and internationally-connected (if not internationally-backed) dictator who had no intentions to leave power even after fulfilling his promise to doff the uniform. He also had controls over the powerful levers of power which is no more a secret.
BB Shaheed, like an astute chess player, aimed at hitting hard at all these nexuses. She made use of the NRO to achieve these democratic goals and so she did succeed in her mission. If the military dictator bid goodbye to power, the foundation stone for that 'farewell' was laid down dextrously by BB Shaheed. The NRO-offering people, Musharraf, Rice and Company were thinking otherwise. But BB Shaheed had a different aim from day one and having faith in her destiny, she knew she would make use of any offer - or ploy- to gain victory over the undemocratic dispensation. Instead of giving credit to BB Shaheed for this marvellous achievement in the way of democracy, we have started debating on frivolous issues. One should thank the apex court and its learned judges for having closed the NRO controversy once for all. There is no justification for flogging a dead horse.
It is an established fact that BB Shaheed treated it as a dead horse from the beginning. She rather played her cards very well and spoiled the dictators' game by reversing the shrewd moves beyond his imagination.
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