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Benazir flays Pak's foreign policy

Former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto has hit out at the military regime's foreign policy, saying the country had got ''more isolated'' vis-a-vis India in the world arena.

''Recently, close friend China went calling on India. Now the Indian foreign minister is going to Pakistan's close friend Saudi Arabia while Pakistan's relations with close friend Iran have already been spoiled with the decision in the Iranian diplomats murder case,'' she told the Iranian news agency Irna.

Bhutto was obviously referring to senior Chinese Communist Party leader Li Peng's successful visit to India and the just-concluded visit of External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh to Riyadh.

''It seems we are losing our friends, our jobs, our economy and our future,'' the chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party said.

Comparing the situation in Pakistan with the one prevailing in the Philippines, she said, ''It is interesting to see what is happening in the Philippines. Our last popular movement coincided with a popular movement in the Philippines. Maybe history repeats itself.''

Bhutto said she was ready to play her role ''if the Pakistan government wants to restore democracy in the country.''

''If they (Pakistani rulers) desire a change, I am ready to play a role in the restoration of democracy, the rule of law and a suitable economic environment where Pakistan and its people can prosper," she added.

Asked when she planned to return to her country, the former premier, who has been living in self-exile, said: ''Inshallah (god willing), I plan to return to Pakistan this year.''

Under the prevailing political situation in Pakistan, Bhutto said her party's chances were far brighter because of its record in comparison with that of other parties and governments.

''The failure of three regimes which succeeded the PPP in dealing with the political and economic challenges has reminded people of the good days they enjoyed under the PPP government,'' she said.

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