Far-reaching repercussions if Pak implodes: Bhutto

Former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto has warned that if her country 'implodes' it will have far-reaching repercussions for the international community.

"God forbid, if Pakistan implodes? It will have far-reaching repercussions not just on our region but the wider world community," Bhutto said in an interview published in the latest issue of Hello magazine.

Bhutto also spoke about her dream of eliminating militant groups to usher stability in crisis-ridden Pakistan and her desire to work with India and Afghanistan.

"I have a dream that Pakistan can achieve stability by knocking out these militant groups, and we can work with India and Afghanistan to stir each other, and all our people can benefit from it," said the leader of the Pakistan People's Party.

Bhutto, who returned to Pakistan after a eight-year self-imposed exile and survived a bid on her life early this month, indicated that her biggest regret was the emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan during her second spell in office between 1993 and 1996.

"Pakistan and other countries thought the Taliban would be a factor for peace and help war-torn Afghanistan heal its wounds. That was a terrible mistake and a terrible tragedy," she said.

Over a decade later, Bhutto, a mother of two daughters and a son, feels that she made a mistake about the Taliban issue.

"I may have erred but in my heart I know that the love for my people, the love that I have for democracy, the respect that I have for democracy, the respect that I have for human dignity are the loves that I have pursued in my life. I don't know how history will judge me -- I would like to leave that to history -- but I know that I have always tried to do my best for my country," she said.

Bhutto said her country was going through a critical period in its history.

"We have seen the emergence of extremist groups and a high level of insecurity," she said, adding that her endeavour will be to ensure the security of life for the people of Pakistan.

Bhutto said it was vital to dismantle the terrorist cells and put an end to the system of warlords through education and employment. "Most countries deplore these links and we really want to clean up our country and be respected as a law-abiding nation," she added.

Bhutto also answered criticism over her agreement with Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf ahead of a possible power-sharing deal. "I know there is criticism in some quarters about my having reached an understanding with General Musharraf, but the aim of my party has been always to take military dictatorship out of the equation, and we have tried to do that through negotiation as well as through street pressure," she said.

Bhutto revealed that she had received offers about the corruption charges against her being dropped if she gave up the struggle for democracy.

"But I always refused," she said acknowledging it is a relief for her to have these charges dropped.

"So while it is a relief for me to have these charges dropped, it is much more important that we have made important concessions for free elections and safeguarding future parliamentarians from being manipulated by politically motivated allegations," Bhutto said.