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But the parallel Bhutto has drawn between Zia and former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is wide of the mark. Corruption is widespread in Pakistan, to be sure, but Zia himself is viewed as a personally honest and religious leader. The general commands respect, if not admiration, from many Pakistanis, and has been able to sustain healthy growth in the country's economy. Last week his backers sought to blunt the effect of Bhutto's return by awarding some political favors. Prime Minister Junejo and Punjab Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif announced that, effective immediately, new land would be granted to rural tenants and urban squatters and the price of cooking oil would be reduced.
Nonetheless, if Benazir Bhutto and the P.P.P. are able to mount large and fervent demonstrations against Zia, the Pakistani establishment is going to feel the pressure. In the nearly five years Bhutto remained in the country following her father's execution, Zia responded to her challenges by simply throwing her in jail or placing her under house arrest. This time the President is clearly trying to avoid resorting to such authoritarian measures. "I will rule this country from my grave," predicted the charismatic Zulfikar Ali Bhutto before going to the gallows. Last week, at least, his daughter seemed determined to prove him right.