Letter: Bhutto's brother

From Mr Kamran Shafi

Sir: Tim McGirk's article on Murtaza Bhutto (28 August) is totally incorrect. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been accused of harassing her brother. The facts are exactly the opposite.

Murtaza Bhutto has been given full freedom to engage in legitimate political activities. He addresses public rallies and the media. The Pakistani press liberally prints his statements. As far as the courts are concerned, nothing can be done by the government to help Mr Bhutto. He faces several charges which have to be decided by the courts. The Prime Minister herself and her husband faced the courts, and they were eventually acquitted.

Pakistan is a functioning democracy where everyone has a right to air his or her grievances in a peaceful and democratic manner. However, anyone violating the basic precepts of democracy cannot escape the law.

Yours sincerely,

Kamran Shafi

Minister

High Commission for

Pakistan

London, SW1