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Bhutto's Niece Calls Party Undemocratic

Young writer says Benazir backers 'cash in on her blood'

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2008 10:33 PM CST
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(Newser) – Some call her the real heir to slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, but Fatima Bhutto, the ex-PM's estranged niece, rejects her claim to “the family business,” the Times of London reports. In fact, the 25-year-old columnist living in Pakistan called the idea of enshrined Bhutto power “dangerous" and disputed the ascension of cousin Bilawal lead the Pakistan People's Party.

“It doesn’t benefit Pakistan,” Fatima insisted. “It doesn’t benefit a party that’s supposed to be run on democratic lines and it doesn’t benefit us as citizens.” Fatima, whose stepmother has led an anti-Benazir PPP splinter group, blasted her aunt’s supporters, calling them eager “to cash in on her blood.” Fatima also left the door open to running for office herself "if there was an opportunity for new faces."

Fatima Bhutto, niece of slain former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto, attends a mourning ceremony for the assassinated leader.
Fatima Bhutto, niece of slain former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto, attends a mourning ceremony for the assassinated leader.   (Getty Images)
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari poses for the media at Christ Church College in Oxford, England Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. Bhutto Zadari, an undergraduate at Christ Church College who was named as symbolic leader of the Pakistan People's Party, has returned to the college, following the assassination of his mother Benezir Bhutto...
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari poses for the media at Christ Church College in Oxford, England Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. Bhutto Zadari, an undergraduate at Christ Church College who was named as symbolic leader...   (Associated Press)
The new leader of the Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of Benazir Bhutto, speaks during a news conference at a hotel in London, Tuesday Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The new leader of the Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of Benazir Bhutto, speaks during a news conference at a hotel in London, Tuesday Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)   (Associated Press)
Ghinva Bhutto, front estrange sister-in-law of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto offers prayers with her step daughter Fatima Bhutto at the grave of Bhutto in Gahri Khuda Bakhash near Larkana,Pakistan on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
Ghinva Bhutto, front estrange sister-in-law of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto offers prayers with her step daughter Fatima Bhutto at the grave of Bhutto in Gahri Khuda Bakhash near Larkana,Pakistan...   (Associated Press)
Fatima Bhutto says she is not the rightful heir to succeed her aunt, slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, but questions the family's role in leading the Pakistan People's Party.
Fatima Bhutto says she is not the rightful heir to succeed her aunt, slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, but questions the family's role in leading the Pakistan People's Party.   (Getty Images)
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Pakistan • democracy • Benazir Bhutto • Pakistan People's Party • Asif Ali Zardari • Bilawal Bhutto Zardari • Fatima Bhutto

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