Move over Veer-Zaara, the new Romeo-Juliet pair from Pakistan promises to take over. Last week's release of Asif Zardari from jail has all the ingredients of a romantic biopic: the eight long years of separation from wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and their meeting, possibly, in the not-too-distant future. Outlook's Mariana Baabar spoke over the phone to Zardari in Karachi. He doesn't seem to have lost his sense of humour, a trait Benazir once cited as an important reason why she agreed to marry him. He says he survived the eight years in jail by following the example of his father-in-law Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who preferred to walk to the gallows than acquiesce to a military strongman's worldview. At the moment, Zardari's top priority is to visit the families of those who immolated themselves to protest against his imprisonment. Excerpts from an interview:
What was your reaction at the announcement of the bail?
Allah O Akbar
Bibi, bail ho gaya
Nobody thought you would last even one year in captivity. What made you go on for eight long years?
You once said that it took great courage to propose to Bhutto's daughter at a time when Zia was alive. Now when you look back, and given a choice, would you still marry Benazir?
What was the toughest part of your imprisonment?
Benazir is in exile, you were in jail. How has this affected the marriage?
You had the reputation of being a playboy. How did you adjust to life in jail?
In retrospect, what are your greatest regrets?
Any lessons learnt in captivity?
With the strength you displayed in captivity, refusing to bow down, several diehard PPP (Pakistan People's Party) workers would gladly want you take over the party.
But you have been taking decisions for the party in the past and the workers and members do look up to you.
Did you feel tempted to give in to the establishment at any time?
Will Benazir ever return to Pakistan?
So how will this eventual struggle between democracy and the establishment finally play out?
And your role in future politics?
What about the PPP's relationship with its former tormentor—the Nawaz Muslim League? Any reason why its leaders from the Punjab could not take the heat in jail?
