Second time, it was Ms Benazir Bhutto.
Muslims, basically, are not a matrilineal society. Patriarch decides fates of all and sundry.
"Honour Killing" of women as such was one issue hotly debated in Pakistan. In 2007, one saw a BBC program in which a Muslim Women's Rights group in Pakistan spokesperson said that more women in Pakistan were killed due to "honour killing" than in accidents or because of disease. She said even courts are helpless to provide succor to such targeted women.
She narrated an incident where a woman took shelter in the court premises. The alleged assassin, a relative, reached the court, was searched and a firearm was recovered and confiscated from him. But he pleaded he had no intention of killing her and just wanted to meet her as her relative. The court gave him the permission, despite the woman's reluctance to meet him. He went up to her, took out his spring knife, killed her and walked out.
Who can perform this "Swaab" (holy deed) ? Generally, it is expected to be done by the father (his brothers or male cousins), brother, husband, son, or male cousins of the woman. But any other Muslim, who feels that his religious ethos are hurt by the woman's behaviour, conduct or action, can also do the "honour killing". Only Ulemas (the learned and the wise Muslim religious leaders) can say if it is true, false or give no comments on this statement. But this conception persists among non-Muslims.
Was Ms Bhutto assassinated as an "honour killing" ? Investigations are on in Pakistan and Scotland Yard is expected to participate in it. Their findings will surely reveal everything in due course of time.
But certain facts need enumerating : a) Ms Bhutto was hounded out as Pakistan Prime Minister (because she was a woman ?) more than once.
b) She never held back her support for women's rights in Pakistan.
c) Aother allegation has surfaced that Ms Bhutto planned assassination of her . brother, Murtaza.
Given so many leads - or false trails ? - (and every new day bringing in its new crop of leads) one wonders if there will ever be a definite clue to work on.
Lastly, it was intriguing to know that private security agencies of USA were unable to provide asked-for security to Ms Bhutto, as no financial deal could be struck with her. Juxtaposing this with the Taliban glee at her assassination - they described her as a precious asset of USA, whom they had destroyed - one gets more confused.
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