Pakistan has been plunged into turmoil after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated.
Britain joined international condemnation of the murder, which looks certain to cause the postponement of elections next month, something many hoped would pave the way for a return to full democracy.
Ms Bhutto was shot moments after leaving a rally of her opposition Pakistan People's Party in the city of Rawalpindi. The gunman then blew himself up.
There were immediate chaotic scenes outside the hospital where she died but calls for restraint from across the world.
Although the attack bore the hallmarks of Islamic extremists, the assassination sparked fury against the regime of President Pervez Musharraf.
Her party described Ms Bhutto as a "martyr". Her long-term political rival, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, described her as a "sister" and pledged to "take the revenge on the rulers".
In Britain, Foreign Secretary David Miliband spoke of deep shock and paid tribute to a leader he said "knew the risks" of her return from exile.
"My thoughts and sincere condolences go to Ms Bhutto's family at this terrible time, as well as to the families of all those who lost their lives in this senseless attack," Mr Miliband said.
"Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country. She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her. This is a time for restraint but also unity.
"All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people. In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed."
Britain joined international condemnation of the murder, which looks certain to cause the postponement of elections next month, something many hoped would pave the way for a return to full democracy.
Ms Bhutto was shot moments after leaving a rally of her opposition Pakistan People's Party in the city of Rawalpindi. The gunman then blew himself up.
There were immediate chaotic scenes outside the hospital where she died but calls for restraint from across the world.
Although the attack bore the hallmarks of Islamic extremists, the assassination sparked fury against the regime of President Pervez Musharraf.
Her party described Ms Bhutto as a "martyr". Her long-term political rival, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, described her as a "sister" and pledged to "take the revenge on the rulers".
In Britain, Foreign Secretary David Miliband spoke of deep shock and paid tribute to a leader he said "knew the risks" of her return from exile.
"My thoughts and sincere condolences go to Ms Bhutto's family at this terrible time, as well as to the families of all those who lost their lives in this senseless attack," Mr Miliband said.
"Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country. She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her. This is a time for restraint but also unity.
"All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people. In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed."
8 Thoughts:
Thursday, December 27, 2007 11:37:00 PM
This is a very sad event for her family and her country~ She wanted her country to have elections, she cared for the actual people of her country as did her father~ and he was killed in 1979 by terrorist!
mourning for these dear people~
Mea
Thursday, December 27, 2007 11:39:00 PM
Yup...I know....since I'm an Indian...this killing almost made me remember the day when Rajiv Gandhi, former PM of India, was assassinated!!
Friday, December 28, 2007 12:06:00 AM
Thanks for visiting
http://ifoundapeanut.blogspot.com
Am happy to add your comment and coverage to mine. Stay in touch!
Friday, December 28, 2007 12:17:00 AM
hello shayon thnk you for visiting my blog i too mourn for the pakistani people, having dear friends who live in lahore and karachi...
Friday, December 28, 2007 12:36:00 AM
@ Znderella
U're most welcome, buddy!
@ W.W. Heidelberg
Yeah, surely!!
Friday, December 28, 2007 3:43:00 AM
Hi again, I've just added a tribute to Benazir Bhutto and more photos/video. This is a sad day.
http://ifoundapeanut.blogspot.com
Best wishes to you.
Friday, December 28, 2007 5:27:00 PM
I think that its really sad... years ago when ppl decided to end monarchy and get on with democracy, they forgot that power kills.. and today its a shame that politicians who really want to work for the people are put to death...!!!
Friday, December 28, 2007 5:45:00 PM
Well...the brutal assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is a tragic setback for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Her courageous return to Pakistan this year gave hope to all those concerned by efforts to extinguish rule of law there. And we should never forget that it is important, when faced with the violence and loss of innocent life over the last few days, that political leaders show a commitment to resolve but also restraint. Extremists must be brought to justice, but extremism must not undermine commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, and to democracy.
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