Benazir blames government for turning a blind eye to militants

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has blamed the government for turning a blind eye to armed groups in tribal regions, resulting in rise of clashes between government troops and pro-Taliban militants.

Dubai, Nov 3 : Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has blamed the government for turning a "blind eye" to armed groups in tribal regions, resulting in rise of clashes between government troops and pro-Taliban militants.

She said the security system in Pakistan has "collapsed."

"Not only are our tribal areas are out of our control, but even the beautiful Swat Valley is now under take-over by Islamists," Bhutto said in an interview.

Her comments came as clashes between government troops and pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan prompted fears that Musharraf would impose martial law.

Bhutto reiterated that her Pakistan People's Party would accept whatever ruling the Supreme Court arrived at.

"We are going to back the Supreme Court in whatever judgement it decides to give on the issue of Musharraf's legality," she said.

Bhutto also condemned the bombing of her homecoming procession in October as a "horrific incident in which over 140 people lost their lives."

Bhutto confirmed that she had sent a letter to Musharraf in which she "named three individuals" who she suspected "to stop the restoration of democracy" and who she thought might be involved in any attempt on her life.

She said her children had been asleep at the time of the blasts, "and in the morning they got text messages from their friends saying: 'We hope your mother is well.'"

She said her family supported her.

"They understand that I'm doing this for their country and for all the people of Pakistan," The News quoted Bhutto, as saying.

ANI