'Madam is sleeping': Former Singapore diplomat recalls Benazir Bhutto episode, says Pakistan's politicians are 'a waste of time'

Speaking during an interaction with journalists at the National Press Foundation, Kausikan recounted the incident while responding to a question from a Pakistani journalist, according to an NDTV report.

Hijackers wanted to speak with Bhutto

Recalling the 1991 hijacking, Kausikan said the aircraft's hijackers had wanted to speak with Benazir Bhutto, who was no longer serving as Pakistan's Prime Minister at the time.

According to NDTV, Kausikan said he eventually managed to reach Bhutto's residence by telephone.

However, a member of the household staff informed him that, "Madam is sleeping and cannot be disturbed."

He said he immediately ended the call, adding that the exchange left a lasting impression on him and influenced his perception of Pakistan's political leadership.

Pakistani politicians 'a waste of time'

During the discussion, Kausikan also dismissed suggestions that Pakistan's long-standing challenges could largely be attributed to its geographical position between India and Afghanistan.

"You cannot blame location for everything. That's an excuse," he said, according to NDTV.

He went on to deliver a broader criticism of Pakistan's political establishment, saying, "Pakistan has been mismanaged terribly since the beginning. Its politicians are a waste of time, all of them, regardless of parties, and the military is a big part of the problem."

Ex-Singapore diplomat recalls Benazir Bhutto episode during 1991 hijacking. Photo: AI composition by ChatGPT

Comments on governance and economy

Kausikan also described Pakistan as "a state teetering on the brink of failure", arguing that recent diplomatic achievements would not be enough to resolve the country's deeper governance and economic challenges.

According to NDTV, he said that while Pakistan may have secured some diplomatic gains internationally, they were unlikely to address the structural issues affecting the country's economy and institutions.

1991 SQ117 hijacking

The remarks came in the context of the hijacking of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ117 in March 1991.

According to NDTV, after negotiations with the hijackers failed, Singapore's commandos launched an assault on the aircraft.

The operation resulted in all four hijackers being killed, while the passengers and crew were rescued safely.

Kausikan referred to the incident while reflecting on his diplomatic experience and explaining how the unsuccessful attempt to contact Benazir Bhutto during the crisis shaped his long-held assessment of Pakistan's political culture.