Maine delegation says assassination in Pakistan a threat to elections

AUGUSTA – Members of Maine’s congressional delegation called the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto a blow to that country’s struggle for democracy.

Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe said democratic hopes and aspirations of Pakistanis “are now dangerously imperiled” days before historic elections were to be held.

Snowe, who met Bhutto while she was serving as prime minister, described her as “an extraordinary individual who was deeply devoted to her vision for the welfare of the Pakistani people.”

“Under tremendous risk, she placed her life on the line for the future of her nation, making the ultimate sacrifice in this brutal and horrific event,” Snowe said in her statement. She added that it’s “vital” that elections continue and that the United States seek to ensure stability in Pakistan.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, said the assassination is a major threat to Pakistan’s stability.

“Her death is [a] significant step backward in Pakistan’s journey toward a full and stable democracy,” said Collins. “This is a critical and dangerous time for Pakistan and the region.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud said Bhutto was “a symbol of hope and democracy for her people.” Michaud called her murder “a disgusting crime” and said the United States must support the Pakistani people in their struggle for democracy.

The state’s delegates are not the only ones mourning the former Pakistani prime minister. Pakistani natives Bushra and Abdul Rana, owners of the Cozy Inn in Brewer, both said they were saddened by the news of the assassination.

“We are sad because she was good,” Bushra Rana said Thursday.

The Ranas heard early Thursday on CNN that Bhutto had been shot, and then “my sister called me [from Pakistan] and told me she’s dead,” she said. “It’s very sad. She was a nice lady.”

The Ranas moved to the United States 35 years ago and opened the hotel in Brewer 12 years ago.

“My whole family is there [in Pakistan]; I’m the only one here,” Bushra Rana said. “They’re very upset because she was a big woman.”

The fact that Bhutto returned to serve her country just 10 weeks ago, after eight years in exile, is a true testament to her love for Pakistan, Bushra Rana said.

“They kept saying, ‘Come back, we need you,'” Bushra Rana said. “That was the reason she was there.”

The couple said they’re not sure what will happen in Pakistan now that Bhutto is dead and the coming election is in turmoil.

“We don’t know,” Abdul Rana said. “We’re sad. She was a good leader.”

BDN reporter Nok-Noi Ricker contributed to this report.