After having returned from self imposed exile of eight years, what was supposed to be a show of strength highlighting her popularity with the people Benazir Bhutto's  showpiece parade turned into a bloodbath.   Suicide bombers struck twice last night.  Both bombs were aimed at her high profile truck, making her way to Pakistan's founder's grave, Mr Mohammed Ali Jinnah.  Some 120 people are reported to have been killed with some hundreds injured.

At the time of the explosions Ms Bhutto was resting in a high security and bomb proof section of the truck and escaped with her life returning to her residence.  At one point several hundred thousands had lined the streets supporting the procession and Ms Bhutto.  Consequently the procession was left in disarray with many supporters and security personnel dead and injured.

This outrage should not come as a surprise to her and general Musharraf as a Taliban commander, Mr. Baitullah Masood, had vowed to send suicide bombers to greet her.  The blasts were captured on television clearly showing pressure a pressure wave of glass soaring through the air and showering many.

Despite the presence of some 20,000 security personnel, sophisticated anti-bomb jamming devices and even blocking mobile phone signals in the area the terrorist got through.   The truck rooftop had been fitted with a bullet-proof enclosure but Ms Bhutto had spent most of the time in the open waving to her supporters, well wishers and chatting to party officials.  This was folly of the highest.  She had been a sitting duck for snipers but thankfully the terrorists had preferred suicide and greater publicity to the sniper's bullet.

Ms Bhutto is said to have agreed to assist America and fight terrorism and bring Osama bin Laden to account.  This seems to have further provoked The Taliban and Haji Omar, a local Taliban commander who in turn threatened to kill Ms Bhutto.  There have been reports to suggest that several groups are vying to send suicide bombers to kill off the challenge from Ms Bhutto. 

Ms Bhutto had returned from exile with high expectations of power sharing with General Musharraf hoping to do a deal which would allow either or both to share the prime-ministership for a third time.  This attack can be interpreted on a wider scale as an attack on the state as minority fundamentalists and others can seemingly attack at will at the very centre of power. This blast may sink the very talks that she hoped would lead to a power sharing with General Musharraf. 

Ironically, Ms Bhutto is said to have harboured the suspicion that retired military personnel were plotting her assassination. Taliban commanders were "just pawns", she said.  Her husband also accused the Pakistani secret service of collusion in the blasts.  It all makes for an ‘explosive' return to Pakistani politics for Ms Bhutto.

Bobby Seran