Benazir Assassinated

Daughter of the East-Benazir

2010-07-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Folks!Soon I will be Posting a regular post from Benazir Bhutto's Daughter of the East- A life memoir by Benazir. It is commendable to read her writings. The Power of Oxford English, Mr. Z A Bhutto,former PM of Pakistan expected her to learn. And she did fulfil father's wish. Folks! Please stay tuned and check regaulrly if I miss something..

Life of Benazir Bhutto

2008-01-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Obituary: Benazir Bhutto

Ms Bhutto had a volatile political career

BBC interviews Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto followed her father into politics, and both of them died because of it - he was executed in 1979, she fell victim to an apparent suicide bomb attack.

Her two brothers also suffered violent deaths.

Like the Nehru-Gandhi family in India, the Bhuttos of Pakistan are one of the world's most famous political dynasties. Benazir's father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was prime minister of Pakistan in the early 1970s.

His government was one of the few in the 30 years following independence that was not run by the army.

Born in 1953 in the province of Sindh and educated at Harvard and Oxford, Ms Bhutto gained credibility from her father's high profile, even though she was a reluctant convert to politics.

She was twice prime minister of Pakistan, from 1988 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996.

Stubbornness

On both occasions she was dismissed from office by the president for alleged corruption.

The dismissals typified her volatile political career, which was characterised by numerous peaks and troughs. At the height of her popularity - shortly after her first election - she was one of the most high-profile women leaders in the world.

Young and glamorous, she successfully portrayed herself as a refreshing contrast to the overwhelmingly male-dominated political establishment.

But after her second fall from power, her name came to be seen by some as synonymous with corruption and bad governance.

Asif Zardari has faced numerous corruption charges

The determination and stubbornness for which Ms Bhutto was renowned was first seen after her father was imprisoned by Gen Zia ul-Haq in 1977, following a military coup. Two years later he was executed after a much criticised trial on charges of conspiring to murder a political opponent.

Ms Bhutto was imprisoned just before her father's death and spent most of her five-year jail term in solitary confinement. She described the conditions as extremely hard.

During stints out of prison for medical treatment, Ms Bhutto set up a Pakistan People's Party office in London, and began a campaign against General Zia.

She returned to Pakistan in 1986, attracting huge crowds to political rallies.

After Gen Zia died in an explosion on board his aircraft in 1988, she became one of the first democratically elected female prime ministers in an Islamic country.

Corruption charges

During both her stints in power, the role of Ms Bhutto's husband, Asif Zardari, proved highly controversial.

He played a prominent role in both her administrations, and has been accused by various Pakistani governments of stealing millions of dollars from state coffers - charges he denies, as did Ms Bhutto herself.

Many commentators argued that the downfall of Ms Bhutto's government was accelerated by the alleged greed of her husband.

None of about 18 corruption and criminal cases against Mr Zardari has been proved in court after 10 years. But he served at least eight years in jail.

He was freed on bail in 2004, amid accusations that the charges against him were weak and going nowhere.

Ms Bhutto also steadfastly denied all the corruption charges against her, which she said were politically motivated.

She faced corruption charges in at least five cases, all without a conviction, until amnestied in October 2007.

President Pervez Musharraf granted Ms Bhutto and others an amnesty

She was convicted in 1999 for failing to appear in court, but the Supreme Court later overturned that judgement.

Soon after the conviction, audiotapes of conversations between the judge and some top aides of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were discovered that showed that the judge had been under pressure to convict.

Ms Bhutto left Pakistan in 1999 to live abroad, but questions about her and her husband's wealth continued to dog her.

She appealed against a conviction in the Swiss courts for money-laundering.

During her years outside Pakistan, Ms Bhutto lived with her three children in Dubai, where she was joined by her husband after he was freed in 2004.

She was a regular visitor to Western capitals, delivering lectures at universities and think-tanks and meeting government officials.
Army mistrust

Ms Bhutto returned to Pakistan on 18 October 2007 after President Musharraf signed into law an ordinance granting her and others an amnesty from corruption charges.

Observers said the military regime saw her as a natural ally in its efforts to isolate religious forces and their surrogate militants.

She declined a government offer to let her party head the national government after the 2002 elections, in which the party received the largest number of votes.

In the months before her death, she had emerged again as a strong contender for power.

Some in Pakistan believe her secret talks with the military regime amounted to betrayal of democratic forces as these talks shored up President Musharraf's grip on the country.

Others said such talks indicated that the military might at long last be getting over its decades-old mistrust of Ms Bhutto and her party, and interpreted it as a good omen for democracy.

Western powers saw in her a popular leader with liberal leanings who could bring much needed legitimacy to Mr Musharraf's role in the "war against terror".

Unhappy family

Benazir Bhutto was the last remaining bearer of her late father's political legacy.

Her brother, Murtaza - who was once expected to play the role of party leader - fled to the then-communist Afghanistan after his father's fall.

From there, and various Middle Eastern capitals, he mounted a campaign against Pakistan's military government with a militant group called al-Zulfikar.

He won elections from exile in 1993 and became a provincial legislator, returning home soon afterwards, only to be shot dead under mysterious circumstances in 1996.

Benazir's other brother, Shahnawaz - also politically active but in less violent ways than Murtaza - was found dead in his French Riviera apartment in 1985.

Vivid Picture by BBC How Benazir Bhutto was Killed

2007-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

How Benazir Bhutto was Kiled: A Vivid Picture by BBC

Vivid eyewitness accounts are continuing to circulate about
exactly how Benazir Bhutto was killed as she left a campaign rally in Rawalpindi
on Thursday.

One of the most direct has come from Getty picture agency
photographer John Moore who had been covering the rally all day.

As he was preparing to leave, he told the London newspaper The
Guardian, he was "shocked" to notice that Ms Bhutto was standing out of her
car's sunroof waving to supporters as her vehicle slowly pushed its way through
the crowds.

He continued: "As this happened, I was aware of Bhutto ducking
back into the car and heard at least two gunshots. I picked up my camera unaware
of exactly what was happening.

Map: Scene of the assassination

"As I did so a bomb detonated next to the car about 30ft (10m)
from where I was in the crowd.

"I kept the motordrive running as I was pushed back in the
crowd, getting pictures of the blast as it went off and crowd members reeling
from it.

"The volume of people stopped me getting any closer."

Many of the pictures he took have since appeared in
newspapers, television and news websites around the world - including this one.

'Kalashnikov'

A BBC correspondent at the rally, Shahzad Malik, said: "I
heard a blast. I rushed across to where so many people were lying injured and
dead."

Speaking from his hospital bed, an unnamed eyewitness gave
this account: "Madame Benazir came outside the gate [after the rally]. After
that there was commotion, there were shots and there was an explosion and then
it was chaos."

The bomber caused carnage (Warning: Graphic content!)

Enlarge
Image

Another eyewitness - also unnamed - was even closer: "We were
standing right in front of her. In that instant a young man, fair, about 20 to
21 years of age, he fired a Kalashnikov aiming at BB [Bhutto].

"He was standing beside me, moved a little back, so I thrust
my hand out at him and just then there was a blast.

Asked if it was the suicide bomber himself that he'd seen, he
replied: "I can't really say. Was it him or someone else, I can't say."

A member of Ms Bhutto's PPP party, Mohammad Zaman, told the
BBC: "The meeting went perfectly well. She delivered her speech, she came down
the stage and got on the land-cruiser.

"She started coming out, we heard three [shots] fired, and
after that the bomb blast went [off].

"And when I came down the road I saw there was loads and loads
of injured. And I really thought that her vehicle was safe and left the place
safely. I was hoping she would be okay."

In fact, she had been fatally injured.

PPP supporters have been accusing President Musharraf's
government of failing to protect Ms Bhutto.

But this has been vehemently denied by the acting Interior
Minister, retired General Hamid Narwaz Khan.

'Dedicated security'

He told the BBC the government had had reports of threats to
her life, and had passed them on.

In the heat of the moment I think she got up just to wave at her
supporters, and that is the time and the chance which the suicide bomber
got to hit her

Hamid Narwaz Khan

acting Interior Minister

He continued: "She was protected, and we had provided a
dedicated officer... to take care of her security.

"Her rallies were also secured.

"This rally in Liaqat Bagh ... the venue was totally secured
through screen doors and a bullet-proof rostrum. All other security arrangements
had been made with a very large deployment of police.

"She came out after the rally and sat in her vehicle and the
movement started.

"Even at that time there were about 20 police escorting her,
and the security officer assigned to her was travelling with her in the same
vehicle."

The minister went on to describe how the road was blocked by a
group of her supporters, and Ms Bhutto stood up through the open sunroof of her
car to greet them.

"That was the time she was hit by the suicide bomber," he
said.

"This was the best we could do," he added. "There were four
other people travelling with her in the same vehicle ... if she had stayed down
she would be safe, as all four of them are absolutely scratch-free.

"But in the heat of the moment I think she got up just to wave
at her supporters, and that is the time and the chance which the suicide bomber
got to hit her."

THE ASSASSINATION OF BENAZIR BHUTTO

1. Benazir Bhutto had addressed a rally of thousands of supporters
in Rawalpindi's Liaqat Bagh Park

2. As her convoy was leaving the park via the rear gate onto Murree
road, she was shot twice in the neck and chest

3. The gunman then blew himself up killing at least 16 people

4. Ms Bhutto was taken to Rawalpindi General Hospital, but was
pronounced dead at 1816 local time.

Al-Qaeda Claimed Benzir's Killing Responsibility

2007-12-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

Pakistan says it has strong proof that al-Qaeda assassinated opposition politician Benazir Bhutto at an election rally on Thursday.

The interior ministry said it had intelligence indicating Baitullah Mehsud, whom it called an "al-Qaeda leader", was behind the killing.

Baitullah Mehsud is a wanted pro-Taleban militant leader based in the South Waziristan tribal region.

Ms Bhutto has been buried in her family tomb amid scenes of mass grieving.

Video of her last moments before the attack in Rawalpindi was shown at the news conference given in Islamabad by the interior ministry.

Addressing reporters, ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema said the primary cause of Ms Bhutto's death appeared to have been a blow to her head as she fell and not bullets or shrapnel.

He added that all possible security arrangements had been put in place for Ms Bhutto.

Her supporters say the government did not do enough to protect her.

After a previous attempt on her life in October, Ms Bhutto accused rogue elements of the Pakistani intelligence services of involvement.

Benazir Bhutto is Assassinated

2007-12-28T02:03:00.000-08:00

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

Benazir Bhutto

28 दिसम्बर 2007

एजेंसियां

पाकिस्तान की पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री बंनजीर भुट्टो की जघन्य हत्या की खबरों से आज के
सभी पाकिस्तान अखबार भरे हुए हैं। सभी अखबारों ने हत्या की खबर को प्रमुखता देने के
साथ ही इस हत्या पर अपने संपादकीय भी लिखे हैं जिसमें इस हत्या के बाद कई सवाल खड़े
किए गए हैं।

कराची से निकलने वाला प्रतिष्ठित अंग्रेजी दैनिक ‘डॉन’ लिखता है
---

बेनजीर भुट्टो की मौत हो गई। बेनजीर की मौत अपने समर्थकों के बीच में हुई जो उन्हें
और उनके पिता को बहुत इज्जत करते थे, जिससे उनको ताकत मिलती थी और जिनकी वजह से वे
एक नेता के रुप में स्थापित थीं। वे इसलिए मारी गईं क्यों कि सरकार उन्हें पर्याप्त
सुरक्षा नहीं प्रदान कर सकी।

वे एक हत्यारे के हाथों और एक आत्मघाती बम से मारी गईं। अल्लाह जानता है कि ये किसके
इशारे पर हुआ। उन्होंने ये कहने की हिम्मत दिखाई कि वर्तमान सरकार की नीतियों की
वजह से राजनीतिक स्थान जो खाली हो गए थे उसे चरमपंथियों ने भर दिया है और अब उसे
वापस पाने की जरुरत है।

एक डूबे हुए दिल से,एक खालीपन से, विनाश और उदासी के बीच से उठने वाले कई सवालों के
जवाब देने की जरुरत है। क्या वे इसलिए मारी गईं क्योंकि वे एक महिला राजनेता थीं जो
धारा के खिलाफ तैर रही थीं? क्या उन्हें इसलिए मारा गया क्योंकि उन्हें सत्ता से दो
बार बेदखल करने और भ्रष्टाचार के आरोप लगाए जाने के बाद भी वे फिर से सत्ता में
वापस आती नजर आ अर्ही थीं? क्या वे इसलिए मारी गईं कि वे अपने लाखों ऎसे समर्थकों
की उम्मीदों का प्रतिनिधित्व कर रही थीं जो बहुत से सपने अधूरे रह जाने के बावजूद
भी उनसे पूरी तरह से जुड़े हुए थे?

वे ठीक उसी जगह से कुछ ही गज की दूरी पर मारी गईं, जहां लियाकत अली खान ( पाकिस्तान
के प्रथम प्रधानमंत्री) एक हत्यारे की गोली से मारे गए थे। उस जगह से करीब एक मील
की दूरी पर जहां जुल्फिकार अली भुट्टो ने फांसी पर लटकने के बाद अपनी अंतिम सांस ली
थी। हम लियाकत अली खान की हत्या के बारे में कुछ नहीं जानते और जुल्फिकार अली भुट्टो
की मौत के बारे में भी बहुत कम ही जानते हैं। बस इतना ही कि उनके समर्थक कहते हैं
कि उनकी मौत “न्यायिक हत्या” थी।

श्रीमती भुट्टो की दृढ़ता के लिए ये एक श्रद्धांजलि होगी कि उन्होंने अपने पिता की
महान परंपरा को पुरुष प्रधान समाज में जिंदा रखा। उन्होंने पाकिस्तान के आम आदमी की
जरुरतों की बात हमेशा उठाई और उन्हें एक इज्जत की जिंदगी दी। उन्होंने अपने पिता की
तरह ही सभी मुद्दों को बड़ी बहादुरी के साथ उठाया।

दैनिक ‘दि न्यूज’ के संपादकीय में कहा गया-

पाकिस्तान के इतिहास में गुरुवार का दिन एक काले अध्याय के रूप में सामने आया, जब
उसी जगह पाकिस्तान की एक लोकप्रिय प्रधानमंत्री बेनजीर भुट्टो को गोली मार दी गई जहां
से कुछ सौ गज की दूरी पर उनके पिता को सैनिक तानाशाह ने फांसी पर लटका दिया था।

दुर्भाग्यशाली पूरब की बेटी, देश की लोकप्रिय अकेली नेता जिसने पाकिस्तानी संघ
का नेतृत्व किया। निर्भीक और निडर, लोकतंत्र और मानवाधिकारों के लिए लड़नेवाली।
एकमात्र नेता जिसने ठीक से पाकिस्तानी संघ का नेतृत्व किया। उसे रावलपिंडी में एक
हत्यारे द्वारा मार डाला गया। उन्हें वतन वापसी के सिर्फ 70 दिनों दिनों बाद मार
दिया गया। उनकी मृत्यु हम सबके लिए अविश्वसनीय और स्तब्धकारी है।

उर्दू दैनिक ‘नवाए वक्त’ का संपादकीय-

इस राष्ट्रीय हादसे पर पाकिस्तान ही नहीं पूरी दुनिया में शोक प्रकट किया जा रहा
है। अमेरिका,यूरोप के बड़े नेताओं और राष्ट्र संघ की सुरक्षा परिषद ने पाकिस्तानियों
और भुट्टो के खानदान को अपनी श्रद्धांजलि भेजी हैं। देश में सभी राजनीतिक और
धार्मिक नेताओं ने, जिनमें बेनजीर के विरोधी भी शामिल हैं, इस हत्या से सदमें में
हैं। देश में तीन दिनों का राष्ट्रीय शोक घोषित किया गया है।

पाकिस्तान पीपुल्स पार्टी के कार्यकर्ता नाराज हैं, भड़के हुए हैं। देश के कई हिस्सों
में तोड़-फोड़ और आगजनी के हादसे भी हुए हैं,ये प्राकृतिक प्रतिक्रिया है। इसके
बावजूद इस मौके पर जोश से ज्यादा होश की जरुरत है। संयम के साथ इस हादसे पर गौर करने
की जरुरत है।

ये सिर्फ एक खानदान का दुःख नहीं है, ये पूरे देश का दुःख है। यह खतरा भी सामने आया
है कि आम चुनाव टाले जा सकते हैं। जबकि अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति जार्ज बुश ने कहा है
कि इस हादसे की वजह से चुनाव नहीं टालने चाहिए। इस समय राष्ट्रपति परवेज मुशर्रफ और
देश की कार्यकारी सरकार के लिए देशप्रेम के इम्तेहान का समय है। हर इंसान और संगठन
को अपनी जाति और संगठन से ऊपर उठकर राष्ट्रहित के बारे में सोचने की जरुरत है।

Bhutto Assassinated-A tragedy to the World

2007-12-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

Bhutto Assassinated

BHUTTO ASSASSINATED

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto gazes towards a crowd of
thousands of supporters at a campaign rally minutes before she was
assassinated in a bomb attack December 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who has been killed, aged
54, in a bomb attack at a political rally in Rawalpindi - the northern town
where she had once gone to school - died as she had lived, plunged deep in
the chaotic political life of Pakistan, a victim, as well as in part a
culprit, of its chronic instability. She was back in the country after
spending more than eight years in exile to avoid corruption charges.

Article continues

She was born in the southern port of Karachi, the daughter of Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto, an ambitious minor landowner in the province of Sindh who founded
one of Pakistan's two major political parties and went on to become the
country's prime minister. His daughter was never destined for an easy or
uneventful life. One of her abiding memories, described in her memoirs,
Daughter of the East, was saying goodbye to her father in a prison cell
hours before his execution in 1979 by the military dictator Zia ul-Haq.
Subsequently, Bhutto herself spent long periods under house arrest or in
solitary confinement before her exile.

Yet much of her youth was happy. Educated at elite English-language
Pakistani schools, several run by nuns, she lived the life of an indulged
and adored wealthy child and teenager. Like many of her social class, she
was sent overseas for her further education. From 1969 to 1973 she attended
Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and then Harvard University,
where she obtained a degree in comparative government before, from 1973 to
1977, studying philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall,
Oxford, where as a natural speaker, she was elected president of the Oxford
Union. Those who spent time with her over the years became used to her
lengthy, eloquent and sometimes well-informed monologues. Bhutto was also
known for driving around Oxford in an open-top sports car.

But the innocent days of youthful political activism did not last long. Her
father was dismissed as prime minister in 1975, sentenced to death two years
later and hanged by Zia despite international outrage on April 4 1979. A
year later, Bhutto's brother Shahnawaz died in suspicious circumstances in
the south of France.

After a long period under house arrest in Pakistan, she managed to leave for
Britain, basing herself in a flat at the Barbican in the City of London. In
exile, she took on the leadership of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the
party her father had founded, and on December 18 1987 married, in an
arranged match that surprised many, another young southern Pakistani
aristocrat, Asif Ali Zardari, who had a reputation of being something of a
playboy. They went on to have three children: Bilawal, Bakhtwar, and Aseefa.

When Zia was killed in a plane crash in 1988, the way was open for a return
to democratic rule in Pakistan. Bhutto, still only 35, returned to her
homeland to lead the PPP to victory in elections. Around the world she was
feted as young, charismatic, moderate and one of the first
democratically-elected woman leaders of a major Muslim nation. Her perfect
English, her undoubted good looks and her charm helped too. People Magazine
included her in its list of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

But celebrations were short-lived. Political opponents and elements within
Islamist parties and the military worked hard to destabilise her
inexperienced administration, and within two years, her first government had
been dismissed amid allegations of corruption and incompetence. She had had
little time to enact any of her campaign promises of social, economic and
political reform. Though the accusations did not necessarily involve Bhutto
personally, her husband earned the nickname Mr Ten Percent. Zardari denied
all allegations against him.

Three years later, Bhutto's PPP was returned to power again - with the same
opposition, the same manipulation, and the same results.

In 1996, the then president once again dismissed her administration, again
citing allegations of corruption and gross incompetence. Bhutto's opponents
spent millions investigating her business affairs, one mystery in particular
- that of the exact ownership of a large manor house in southern England,
purchased for millions of pounds to which crates of Bhutto family heirlooms
were shipped.

Controversy also focused on the exact role of the Bhutto government in the
formation and success of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, which formed
in 1994 and took Kabul in 1996, a few days after the dismissal of Bhutto's
second administration. She maintained that no military or logistic
assistance was offered to the movement, though there was continual
"political engagement". This, she said in one of her last interviews, was
"logical and reasonable" as it was important to try and moderate the
movement and use it to stabilise Afghanistan.

Out of power from 1996, Bhutto was vulnerable to moves to convict her on the
outstanding corruption charges. A conviction in 1999 for failing to appear
in court was later overturned after audiotapes revealed heavy political
pressure placed on the principal judge by top aides of then prime minister
Nawaz Sharif. Increasingly isolated, she left Pakistan in 1999 to live in
Dubai and London. The military coup that autumn made any immediate return
difficult. General Pervez Musharraf, who took charge, made little secret of
his contempt for the civilian politicians whom he believed had nearly ruined
Pakistan. However, the PPP organisation remained intact with a strong power
base in its heartland of the southern rural Sindh province along with more
rural parts of the Punjab where the Bhutto family name lost little of its
prestige.

During her years outside Pakistan, Bhutto lived with her three children in
Dubai, where she was joined by her husband after he was freed in 2004. She
gave frequent interviews, continued to organise the PPP and was a regular
visitor to western capitals, delivering lectures at universities and meeting
government officials. Relations with the press were carefully maintained,
with large sums devoted to a major lobbying effort in Washington and the
hire of a top-ranking public relations firm. Journalists who referred to the
outstanding corruption allegations against her would receive polite emails
reminding them that the charges had never been proven and that they were
politically motivated.

The political climate began to change during 2007 as Musharraf made a series
of major political errors, rapidly losing support after clumsy
confrontations with the judiciary. A consummate political operator to the
last, Bhutto saw a chance to make a glorious return to Pakistan and win
power once again. Negotiations with the president and head of the armed
forces lasted through the summer, blessed by Washington and London. A deal
was done that saw Bhutto's members of the national assembly effectively
acquiesce to Musharraf's re-election as president in return for an amnesty
preserving her and much of her entourage from investigation for past
misdeeds. However, her triumphal return was marred by the suicide bombing
that narrowly missed her and killed scores of her supporters in Karachi on
October 18.

Following the attack, Bhutto, who was convinced that a shadowy cabal of
retired army officers and Islamic militant sympathisers was behind the
strike, told close associates that the deal with Musharraf was off. Winning
power at the elections to be held next month was all the more vital.

Campaigning with customary verve and energy, inveighing continually against
the failure to provide her with sufficient security, she started touring the
country two weeks ago. One aim was to reacquaint herself with the people of
Pakistan after her long exile. But her performances, hectoring local workers
not to allow the government to rig the poll, calling for an end to
militancy, and invoking the legacy of her late father, were vintage Bhutto.

Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated in a suicide attack.

Ms Bhutto - the first woman PM in an Islamic state - was leaving an election
rally in Rawalpindi when a gunman shot her in the neck and set off a bomb.

At least 20 other people died in the attack and several more were injured.

President Pervez Musharraf has urged people to remain calm but angry
protests have gripped some cities, with at least 11 deaths reported.

Security forces have been placed on a state of "red alert" nationwide.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. Analysts
believe Islamist militants to be the most likely group behind it.

Scene of the assassination

Ms Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), had served as prime
minister from 1988-1990 and 1993-1996, and had been campaigning ahead of
elections due on 8 January.

Benazir Bhutto's coffin leaves hospital in Rawalpindi

Benazir Bhutto's coffin has now been taken from the hospital

It was the second suicide attack against her in recent months and came amid
a wave of bombings targeting security and government officials.

Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister and a political rival, announced
his Muslim League party would boycott the elections.

He called on President Musharraf to resign, saying free and fair elections
were not possible under his rule.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session and later said
it "unanimously condemned" the assassination.

Scene of grief

Ms Bhutto's coffin was removed from hospital in Rawalpindi and has now
arrived by plane in Sukkur in Sindh province for burial in her home town,
Larkana.

Her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, has arrived in Pakistan from Dubai to escort
the coffin to its final resting-place.

The attack occurred close to an entrance gate of the city park where Ms
Bhutto had been speaking.

Police confirmed reports Ms Bhutto had been shot in the neck and chest
before the gunman blew himself up.

She died at 1816 (1316 GMT), said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of the PPP who
was at hospital.

Some supporters at the hospital wept while others broke into anger, throwing
stones at cars and breaking windows.

Protests erupted in other cities as news of the assassination spread, with
reports of 11 deaths in the PPP's heartland province of Sindh, including
four in provincial capital, Karachi.

More than 100 cars were burned in Karachi, while cars and a train were
reportedly set on fire in Hyderabad.

In other violence:

# Police in Peshawar, in the north-west, used batons and tear gas to break
up a rally by protesters chanting anti-Musharraf slogans

# One man was killed in a "shoot-out" between police and protesters in Tando
Allahyar, the mayor said

# Unrest was also reported in Quetta, Multan and Shikarpur

'Security lapse'

Mr Musharraf has announced three days of national mourning. All schools,
colleges, universities, banks and government offices will remain closed.

Burning vehicles in Hyderabad

Protesters set vehicles on fire in the streets of Hyderabad

Mr Sharif said there had been a "serious lapse in security" by the
government.

Earlier on Thursday, at least four people were killed ahead of an election
rally Mr Sharif had been preparing to attend close to Rawalpindi.

Ms Bhutto's death has plunged the PPP into confusion and raises questions
about whether January elections will go ahead as planned, the BBC's Barbara
Plett in Islamabad says.

The killing was condemned by India, the US, the UK and others.

US President George W Bush telephoned Mr Musharraf for what the White House
would only describe as a "brief" conversation on the situation.

Her return was the result of a power-sharing agreement with President
Musharraf

He had granted an amnesty that covered the court cases she was facing.

But relations with Mr Musharraf soon broke down.

On the day of her arrival, she had led a motor cavalcade through the city of
Karachi.

It was hit by a double suicide attack that left some 130 dead.

Rawalpindi, the nerve centre of Pakistan's military, is seen as one of the
country's most secure cities.

Many analysts say attacks like those on Thursday show the creeping "Talebanisation"
of Pakistan.

Radical Muslims calling for Islamic law, and fiercely opposed to the US,
have become increasingly active in Pakistani politics in recent years,
analysts say.

Benazir Killed-Reaction from People around the World

2007-12-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

I feel this is the darkest day in the recent era for the country. The incident has more to do with endless Power ambitions of Musharaf. This is a internal conspricy to abolish the chance of people elected democracy and to again empower the dummy forces backed by Musharaff and his ARMY allies which would continue getting kickbacks in arm deals / stock exchange scams & to give USA the message of nucelar capability going in wrong hands without HIM.Benazir paid the price backingout deal with Mushraf

Aqueel, uae
I remember my freshman year of college when Prime Minister Bhutto came and spoke at my university. She spoke with such passion and dedication to her country. It was a honor to hear her speak. She will be missed. Democracy has lost a great fighter and leader.

Dana, Seattle, WA

Her death must be justified and not swept under the rug; this is the only way anyone with as much passion and courage to work towards peace and democracy in Palestine is going to rise up and be her successor, if a successor is not found all her work will be in vain.

Natasha Whiffin, Vancouver, Canada

No body can afford to betray his/her own people. Benazir Bhotto betrayed and turned against her own people fo the Western and her own interest but as it is today, the west may only sympathise but never saved her.
We should all remember that she was accused of assasinating her own brother when she was in power and to date she never accounted nor prosecuted anybody for the assasination.

Today is her turn of events and anybody who allign with the West to betray his/her own suffer the same faith

REX ANDY
Ultimately, she has found an eternal resolution of the father's
complex that had come to dominate her mind following his
tragic end.

George M. Kelcey, Bratislava

I am shoked by hearing that Bhutto has gone forever,and it must be said that her killers are evil pro-Taliban.

Unfortunately, this killing shows that we will never be able to achieve democracy in Pakistan and Afghanistan, because it is impossible to change the minds of those close minded fanatics,who are in support of Talibans.

I will miss her very much

Ajmal, London

Benazir Killed-Great Loss to the World:Comments From People

2007-12-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

it is a tradegi for south Asia.Darkest day for democry,she was high profile political deader, her fight for democry and free and fare election no body cannot stop.we are v sad but we people we know who is behind.This is not a way how world politices is domininated.we want see justiceand no more blood. thanks.

L RAHMAN SAYED, FOREST GATE
I wish to join all peace loving mankind to condem the killing of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan today. Ms Bjutto is gone but would be rememberded by the whole world for her justice outspoken. The people of Pakistan knows her better than anyone and now that she is gun down what justice can that bring in Pakistan?. Her untimely departure will surely create uncondusive political unreste in Pakistan and a caution to all Political activitis particularly women. She died as a HERO!

Mamudou Max Jallow, Luton, UK

In 2005, these were the top 10 countries with the highest rate of murder (ISO): JM, SV, GT, VE, ZA, CO, HN, BR, RU, EC. Why isn't religion a part of that discussion? The fact that the most recommended comments on this topic are about Islam's intolerance clearly suggest that non-Muslims don't care about Muslims as people, but would just try to attack their religion--much like they tried in Colonial times. By the way, how did religion play a role in Colonial powers enslaving local populations?

Zahid, Quetta

As icons for moral decadence, It would appear, at least for the time being, that these radical extremist elements have finally succeded in their inexorable and indefatigable quest to slam shut the door of hope for democracy in Pakistan.

LUMUN ATO, VICTORIA, Canada

It is a sad turn of events in Pakistan. My condolences to Bhutto family.This has a larger consequence for Pakistan.
Being an Indian, I am very much concerned on the development in our neighborhood. I just hope that people of Pakistan can keep themselves steady on the path of stability and democracy.
Looking at this event and others it seems a huge task though.
My sympathies with the people and I hope they can come out more stable and more flourishing.Mr. Musharraf has now a lot more to do.

Ravi, Amsterdam

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a remarkable woman who defied the military establishment in her native Pakistan and stood by her principles. There are so few heroes left in the world. She was one of them. May she rest in peace.

Sonia, Glasgow

2008 could have been the year Pakistan finally emerged from darkness with an experienced and charismatic leader, brave enough to stand up to the Islamic terrorists who have been taking over. Now, the Pakistani people will have to go it alone. I hope it is not too late. This tragedy must wake them up so they can come together and rise against the real enemy.

Ray, Atlantic City, NJ, USA

if you ask me it all been planned by the dirty politician just like all the so called attacks
what politician would do just for thaier power & blame others for it
THER IS NOTHING LIKE THIS IN ISLAM IT THE MEDIA & POLITICIAN WHO ARE DOING ALL THIS

fari dha, london, United Kingdom
She was born to fight for democracy and dictatorships.Her follower sacrifice their lives and she did her.She's a hope for Pakistani.It’s not a time leading peoples by desolation and misery but lead them in right way.Her death make massive impacts on Pakistan socially and politically.Peoples suffer by anger, shooting, burring and high destruction.Declaring emergency will not solve current conditions it became worst. Future of Pakistan will get mysterious and dark for its people and its youth.

fariha waseem, new york, United States

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 19:20 GMT 19:20 UK

"....I am not saying they did not do it , but thats just because I DONT KNOW it yet, but you guys seem to have a direct line anyway .....

ali akbar, stuttgart, Germany "

Muslims said the same thing on 9/11. That there is no proof of muslim involvement.

The fact is muslims live in denial. Denial of reality. Denial of knowing who they are. They will close their eyes, even if their own sons or fathers will kill for their religion.

Adam Smith
Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 19:19 GMT 19:19 UK

TRAGEDY! This is very sad indeed. Condolences to the grieving. I hope some lesson is learned from this incident; we place too much emphasis on individuals rather than on their message. The killers know that by eliminating a leader they will delay development in the society. If the ideas took precedence, there would be less satisfaction in killing a given leader. I hope that those who lead us will now focus on the message rather than on some individual. It's harder to eliminate an idea.

Clive, USA
Courage is rare amongst politicians world-over, especially those in the Indian sub-continent. She knew the threat to her life, but put her belief in her vision for Pakistan ahead of that. As someone said on BBC, after today, she might indeed be remembered for all the wrong reasons, for her government was ineffective in its time. But we should respect her for believing in Pakistan inspite of everything. Don't play the blame game, focus on restoring democracy in the country that needs it the most.

Nikhil Prakash, Mumbai, India

Right, now someone own up and say it's a joke....it's like Diana, I can't actually believe she's gone...a wonderful, brave, beautiful woman I cry for. Rest in Peace, and please God, if she had to die, may her death help to bring Peace to her country.

Lucy-Jane Michel, Baulon, France
Tragic..Indeed-My condolences to her family and to those families whom have lost a loved one in this brutal attack!!
But would like to further this comment into the way the media have portrayed this message in to a blame for Pervez Musharaf!! watching Sky news,BBC and CNN-all of the channels have mentioned how many different rulers have offered their condolences and yet Musharraf hadnt-well id like to say he gave his speech before Bush did and till yet hasnt been mentioned on the above channels

S.K, Coventry
Can anyone say they are surprised? This has to be the least surprising assasination in history. Bhutto surely knew the risks she was taking, and accepted them. Now she has been martyred -- what good will come of it? People are already rioting -- is that helping anything?

Dana, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

Ms Bhutto has paid the ultimate price for standing up for what she believed in, not all agreed with her, but please let's not allow this tragedy stop us all for standing up and being counted - it is the only way that we will ever achieve any kind of world peace. May her soul find eternal peace.

Lisa Phillips, Northampton
Some people viewed Benazir as a symbol of corruption while others as an insignia of hope. Whatever the case may be, the fact is that a person educated from the most prestigious universities in the world is now lost and that too at a time when the country is in crisis. We Pakistanis therefore need to unite and stand against all the odds to steer our direction for a better and a prosperous future.

Omar Kalim, Rawalpindi

This is a cruel act of terrorism and Benazir Bhutto was a women who many people aspired to (especailly women). I predict Pakistani's need to wait at least 100 years for another women to come out like Benazir Bhutto.
I think that the only people who could be blamed for the assasination of Bhutto are:
1) Taleban (Pashtun)
2) Extremist Mulims of Pakistan
3) and Parvez Musharaf
Behzad from Afghanistan

behzad aria, United Kingdom

I'm here in the old city of Peshawar, almost all the markets're closed and the whole city seems sad, but why, why should we Pakistanis pay the price of the dirty political war tactics of these imperialists?
As long as, Pakistan doesn't get rid of foreign intevention, how can we can expect free & fair elections in the country, imposing your puppets over us, let us live freely, we're human beings like you, for heaven's sake, let us decide our own destiny, either it's good or bad.

Imran SChah, Peshawar, N.W.F.P

Her death is a tragedy, but not just for her and her family and friends. It is a tragedy for Pakistan. Are there political figures, perhaps of a younger generation, who could curb the lunatic, extremist elements and bring stability to the country? If not, one is forced to wonder whether Pakistant is on the slippery slope to becoming a failed state.

Colinitaly, Tolfa Italy

well it is sad But you Reap what you Sow. if she had been firm when she was the PM then maybe world would have been a better place. The sad truth is that Pakistan is a failed and miserable state. it has huge potential but it is now deep in the drains because of corruption and illiteracy.

ruchi, atlanta
The fact that Benazir Bhutto was fully aware of the dangers she faced does not take away the horror of today's events.

We should not sit smugly by in the West as though this attack will have no impact on us. Pakistan, by its geographical position and religious make up puts it in a league of its own. We have alientated enough people in the Middle East already. Let's take steps to reduce, not widen the didvide and start to bring about reconciliation in Pakistan before it's too late

[comeonscents]

Terrorism is like a stupid virus: sometimes it can kill someone, it can't never change the meaning of people life. Benazir is the history of her country. Her murderers remain crime news. Perhaps we should trust Pakistani people.

Mariagrazia, Brescia (Italy)

Its funny how an assasination of US stooge brings out the hatred of Islam in so many people. This forum and this topic are typical. Im amazed how many anti-Islamic, racist and deragotory comments were posted here. And its the same people who "support" their crusader/Abu Graib armies and pay taxes to invade Muslim countries. Western fundamentalism and its agents must be stopped or next thing we know there is porn in Muslim newspapers, drunken yobs on our streets and we are governed from Washingto

Muradski, London

Contrary to most people's comments, I believe that although this may have adverse effects, on the whole, it is much better for Pakistan that such an oppurtunistic and self-enriching person as Benazir Bhutto is gone for good. Her record among her people is well known, and average Pakistanis like me dislike her and her political agenda that has been tailored to Western needs and designs. She does not care for her people. She only seeks and wants the power that accompanies being head of a state.

Mohamed Abdullahi, Kaliningrad, Russia

I'd be very worried. Musharraf and Bhutto had one thing in common - they were against Muslin extremists. If these extremists get into power in Pakistan - which is possible - bear in mind that Pakistan has nuclear weapons. India is an ally of the West - what do you think their reaction is likely to be?

Neil Small, East Kilbride, United Kingdom
I'm a Pakistani living in Syria from last 9 years. When i heard it was a shock & not only for me but my local friends from Syria also showed their condolences. Its a time of crisis for Pakistan. I sure can feel the anger of people of Pakistan but we have to be calm at this time of crisis & even if B.B was alive today she will also not want what people are doing in reaction. Its a time we as Pakistanis have to be united & face the challenge ahead together as we have done in past. PEACE TO B.B

Mansoor Ahmed, Damascus - SYRIA

Benazir Assassinated-Comments from People Around the Globe

2007-12-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:41 GMT 18:41 UK

We revel in taking our emotions to rollercoaster heights, enjoying the adrenaline as the story builds up. Benazir's tragic death rakes up the anger, a woman unavenged, diluting the need for universal condemnation of all forms of terror.

Terror lives only on the different colored lines refusing to diffuse. The obstinacy once caused a nation dearly in 1947, displacing millions.

Manu, Delhi

Benazir Bhutto was a wonderful woman and an icon for the whole world. These extremists have unjustifiably killed one of the most successful women of their nation and our generation.

There is no justification for murder, in any guise.

The Islamist extremists responsible will never have a voice whilst they continue to murder innnocent people. They will never be heard but for their horrific actions and with any luck there will be a harsh justice for them one day.

Sara Daintree, Manchester
I'm not pakistani or Muslim, but personally feel the tragic loss casued by Mrs Bhutto's death . I feel she was an inspiration and role model for all South Asians alike. Rest in peace Mrs Bhutto , lets hope that democarcy prevails.

ja, bristol

To all the Islam/Muslim bashers - especially those with the snide "Islam the religion of Peace" comments - on this forum please go and educate yourselves, your ignorance and intolerance is just as bad as the ignorance and intolerance of the extremists! Islam is a religion of peace and the actions of a minority shouldn't tar all Muslims with the same brush. I'm a Muslim and I've never had or felt the need to go off to Jihad even when I think Muslims have been unfairly treated. Hate the Haters!

Hate-The-Haters, Glasgow
Benazir Bhutto assassination is like 'a chronicle of an announced death': Everybody knew it will happen. This is the product of education and culture of violence, and also that of neglect in front of imminent danger. It's not just a barbaric act and a deed of extremists, it is a deadly blow to Pakistani democratic solutions.

Adolfo E. Talpalar, Stockholm

This incident not only marks a tragedy but an end to a great political dynasty and democracy in Pakistan. Ms. Bhutto brought hope to the country in terms of stability and justice, but now I don't think the nation has anyone to look upto.A personality of her size cannot just be erased like this until there is a hand involved as big as the governments. With Mr Sharif, boycotting the election I believe Pervez Musharraf has got his way of staying at power with no opposition to hold him down.

Safina, Housten, Texas, US

That's the way politics works with The Religion of Peace.
[murph73], London, United Kingdom

Blaming religion for doings of few of its followers! And even that from 1 small period of the entire history of that religion! Are we doing anything right these days...? So how come the assumption that we understand and practice this religion perfectly!

What illogical and prejudiced comment....mockery in our time of grief. Perhaps this is how it goes in the modern, developed world.

Misbah Husein, Karachi, Pakistan

Comments by People around the World

2007-12-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:44 GMT 18:44 UK

At age 18 with little interest in international politics, I had the opportunity to see Ms. Bhutto in Boston. I was absolutely captivated by her and I followed her political career ever since. Ms. Bhutto was a woman of tremendous talent and charisma and I grieve for her as well as for the people of Pakistan who have lost a great ally. This is a truly a terrible event.

Ross, Pittsburgh, USA

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:44 GMT 18:44 UK

It is bad news ever that a person who sacrific to change the country's dictatorship rule could be kill just like a bird. President Perves tried a lot. It was seen and witness at her arrival that Benazir Bhutto will either change the rule or died in the onset of election. However, shame on people who kill and plan to destabilize the region through suicide bomb attack. The hiastory of Benasir will never vanish from the world as an active women who tried hard to change the nation. God bless her!

Peter Reat Gatkuoth, Edmonton, Canada

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:44 GMT 18:44 UK

It is sad but true that she ignored the security advice that was offered to her - she had public travel & meetings when she was told that there was no way that she could be adequately protected. Even politicians in this country don't act like that, & we haven't got the same level of anti-American-fundamentalist-Islamic-hardlin ers who are prepared to kill themselves to get their ends.

However, her murder is reprehensible and should be condemned - so, British Muslims, we wait for you to speak-

Dominic Stockford, United Kingdom

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:43 GMT 18:43 UK

The key point we are all missing here is that the terrorists have actually infiltrated the current government of Pakistan and the other branches of power. Your questions should be directed at the ISI and the Pakistani Military. The same military who now posses nuclear weapons.

Fred, USA
Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:43 GMT 18:43 UK

This horrible act of murderous terrorism shows once again the severe danger presented to all who believe in and live by the values of democracy and plurality of view by the rise of violent fascist Islamism. It is to be fervently hoped that today's assassination will not destabilise Pakistan any further and that the perverters of Islam who have already perpetrated so much bloodshed will neither benefit nor move any closer to controlling Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

Matt Davis, London, UK

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:43 GMT 18:43 UK

I think part of Pakistan's problem has always been its identity; the concept of India has an ancient heritage to it, whereas Pakistan is a creation of a sectarian crisis, at times i think the citizens of Pakistan don't know what Pakistan actually is. In many ways Benazir Bhutto was a symbol of what Pakistan could mean to people. And now she has become the latest victim of a belief system intent on wiping out all opposition. Only the people of Pakistan can fight; who will they look to to lead it?

Ruairi, Hamstreet

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:42 GMT 18:42 UK

Benazir's assassination is although a tragic incident for Pakistan and being a Pakistani, I condemn this act of foolishness. This is no doubt embarassing and we cannot explain to the world that any Muslim can commit such an act. But looking deeply into the causes, one has to admit that this is the fruit of western involvement in Pakistan. Benazir was seen as being imposed on Pakistan by American and other western regimes who do not want to see proper democracy but the one run by their puppets

Shahid, Luton
Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:42 GMT 18:42 UK

Benazir was stepping into disaster when she came back to Pakistan after her exzile. She knew that her life was in danger, but she was too power hungry. Benazir had the backing of the United States which the extremist did not like. Pakistan is not ready for democracy.

Amna Saeed, Los Angeles, California

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:42 GMT 18:42 UK

A fair election should be held and these cowardly killers, al Qaeda and the Taliban, should be chased, cornered and killed. I see no alternative. The Pakistan military should also detach itself from politics.

nya, US

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:42 GMT 18:42 UK

Bhutto's death is a blow surely but so far as I am concerned, the only good thing that ever happened to Pakistan for years is Perves Musharraf. The Millitary has been the Bulwark of political stability. The notion of Democracy as being handed down from the west just goes to fan the flames of extremism as Bhutto was considered as a stooge of the west. May she rest in Peace.

Dean, Moenchengladbach Germany

Dean Yankey, Moenchengladbach
Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:41 GMT 18:41 UK

For this woman of such powerful and heavy political influence and strength in a part of the world that is in turmoil in regaining their position as a humane and peaceful country beside the rest of the world, may her death and those of her followers, down to the citizen in the street, not be in vain. Her death carries an incredible place in history, and her place will forever have a guidance for all those who are fighting for the Middle East and peace without changing the beauty of the culture.

Seanne, Kansas, U. S. A.

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:41 GMT 18:41 UK

benazir was a great leader and she sacrificed her life for pakistan just like her father.its time for nawaz sharif,imran khan and other political leaders to step up and ,please, dont boycott the elections as pakistan is in a dire need of democracy and a sincere ruler.
General hamid gul's analysis is a hundred percent correct and right on spot that is to say that this is a conspiracy plotted outside of pakistan and this problem needs to be addressed by the UN and the pakistani leadership.

Aliya, canada

2007-12-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:53 GMT 18:53 UK

This is the 2nd biggest setback, in the history of Pakistan.I deeply regret on the assination of this great lady who never lost hope , It wasnt the desire for power that made her come back to Pakistan after a long exile rather it was the dream which was unaccomplished to see pakistan somewhere in the list of the best countries of the world. I adivise Mr. Nawaz Sharief to carry forward this mission on behalf of the Lady, to help get rid of the military rule in pakistan.

muzamil ahmad, manchester city

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:53 GMT 18:53 UK

Shock. A good friend of mine who is Pakistani texted me the news "Benazir Bhutto is dead...".

I think an excellent point was made earlier over whether Pakistan every really has had a democracy, despite it receiving overwhelming support from the West (A bit like Burma/Myanmar eh?).

IMO - Either political rivals, or religous rivals. But of course, we'll all be programmed to believe it was the latter, "all muslims are evil" aren't they? Islam should never be held responsible for this.

Mustafa, London

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:53 GMT 18:53 UK

i think that the ppl that killed behnazir bhutto wre cowards and could not take the fact that they lost by a women they lost by a female. they should be ashamed of what they have done and i think should b punished severely, like our PM sir GORDON BROWN has said that terrorism will not go ahead i think that they should think wisely of what has happend in the past with SUDDAM HUSSAIN should not appen to them i think that htye are a bunch of loosers who should go to hell and deserve nothin else

safeena, slough

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:53 GMT 18:53 UK

I hope now people, especially in the West will realise that the state of emergency was needed, and perhaps should have been kept longer. The belief that democracy can flourish where some are willing to kill wantonly to force their will on others is mistaken. Democracy is sometimes a flickering flame that needs to be guarded from the wind, thus temporarily preventing its light from shining freely. Such concepts seem to difficult for the chattering masses to understand.

[jdsouza67]

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:53 GMT 18:53 UK

It is a difficult day for the people of Pakistan. Ms. Benazir's assasination has struck us with shock. It is also an embarrasment that national leaders have been assasinated in General Musharaf's regieme. If there was any person in Pakistan who could withstand the General, it was her, with her death, our country has fallen into the a dark pit. May her soul rest in peace.

Hassan Iftikhar, Lahore

More Comments by People Around the World

2007-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:55 GMT 18:55 UK

i am really shocked by the death of this great leader .what gloomy day for pakistan . i think armageddon as prophesied in the bible is at hand. No matter what humans work hard for the betterment of humanity , the world continues to witness violence and bloodshed. It is only Lord Jesus that brings democracy to humanity.

mehari, usa

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:54 GMT 18:54 UK

I was overcome by the most intense sadness when I heard the news this morning. I am not just sad for her family and for the people of Pakistan. I am sad for the world. The world has lost one of its most courageous women, an inspiring voice for tolerance, democracy and self-determination. I grieve for a world where our heroes are blown up in the very act of being heroes. I grieve for the loss of her hopeful voice and fear the sound of despair that will echo in its place throughout the world.

Ellen Majdloch, Arlington, MA

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:54 GMT 18:54 UK

The true assasinator is alternatively the american democracy. Why? If democracy is pushed in a nation where the contexts are different from the 'democratic nations', it will inevitably makes 'enemies'. Remember, democracy may not work for people who are not as critially thinking, gentlementry, or fair-minded and who hold different religious or cultural values. Please observe cultural and religious diversity, Westerners.

George

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:54 GMT 18:54 UK

It was here that Liaqat Ali Khan was killed by an afghan refugee and here Late Bhutto had uttered 'for Pakistan my self and my children will sacrifice their lives..' Bhutto, his sons Shahnawaz, Murtaza and daughter Benazir proved it. The dilema is democracy vs. rest of the world. Those clergymen, their chanters and other anti peoples circles having turned terrorists are surprised that 'trick and treat' wouldn't work. each Pakistani has becomth Bhutto. Sanam Bhutto shall take over the crusad...

Mohammad Fida, Toronto, Canada

Comments from People around the World

2007-12-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

First, to say this was an act of cowardice could not be more wrong when the fact is she was killed by a suicide killer - and to take that decision does not involve cowardice! Secondly, she knew she was in danger and was risking her life. She nonetheless returned to Pakistan, causing havoc. She met the same fate as Olaf Palme, Anwar Sadat and others only she met her death in full recognition that it could happen at any moment. She was courageous, determined and badly let down by security. Joy

Joy Pattinson, ROLLE, Switzerland

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:55 GMT 18:55 UK

Ms Bhutto was the only political leader in the nation who had a national following. Her party spread from Sindh to NWFP. Pakistan has lost a brave woman. She loved her country and till her last breath she served it. Pakistan Salutes You BB!

With her passing the political structure of the nation has changed dramatically. The PPP is now in a state of crisis. My prayers are with the family of Ms. Bhutto. May Allah grant Ms. Bhutto's soul peace and a place in heaven.

Syed Imad, Karachi

Added: Thursday, 27 December, 2007, 18:55 GMT 18:55 UK

very sad day for my country well i wanna tell my westernd friends that Pakistanis r not extremist we r not terorist we r the no 1 victim of terorism i requested to western powers and arabs who using my country as battle groung get out osama and company from country if u wanna fight against anyone go to ur own country not use my country to kill innocent people in my country

usman malik, Lahore

Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-27T13:43:00.001-08:00

Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been killed in a presumed suicide attack.

News of her death was confirmed by a military spokesman and members of her Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Ms Bhutto had just addressed an election rally in Rawalpindi when gunfire and an explosion occurred.

At least 15 other people are reported killed in the attack and several more were injured. Ms Bhutto had twice been the country's prime minister.

She had been campaigning ahead of elections due in January.

The BBC's Barbara Plett says the killing is likely to provoke an agonised response from her followers, especially from her loyal following in Sindh Province.

Map

Ms Bhutto was key to her party, she was the focus of her party and she was a major political player amongst all those fighting for seats in the forthcoming elections, our correspondent adds.

The PPP has the largest support of any party in the country.

Analysts note that Rawalpindi, a garrison city, is seen as one of the country's most secure cities, making the attack even more embarrassing for the military authorities.

Scene of grief

The explosion occurred close to an entrance gate of the park in Rawalpindi where Ms Bhutto had been speaking.

Scene from the blast
The blast caused carnage

Wasif Ali Khan, a member of the PPP who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital, said she died at 1816 (1316 GMT).

Supporters at the hospital began chanting "Dog, Musharraf, dog", referring to President Pervez Musharraf, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

Some broke the glass door at the main entrance to the emergency unit as others wept.

A man with a PPP flag tied around his head could be seen beating his chest, the agency adds.

An interior ministry spokesman, Javed Cheema, was quoted as saying by AFP that she may have been killed by pellets packed into the suicide bomber's vest.

However, AP quoted a PPP security adviser as saying she was shot in the neck and chest as she got into her vehicle, before the gunman blew himself up.

Return from exile

Among the mourners at the hospital was Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister and opposition leader.

BENAZIR BHUTTO
Educated at Harvard and Oxford
Father led Pakistan before being executed in 1979
Spent five years in prison
Served as PM from 1988-1990 and 1993-1996
Sacked twice by president on corruption charges
Formed alliance with rival ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in 2006
Ended self-imposed exile by returning to Pakistan in October

Earlier on Thursday at least four people were killed ahead of an election rally he had been preparing to attend close to Rawalpindi.

The killing was condemned by the US and Russia, and a statement is expected shortly from the UK.

"The attack shows that there are still those in Pakistan trying to undermine reconciliation and democratic development in Pakistan," a US state department official said.

Russia's foreign ministry condemned the attack, offered condolences to Ms Bhutto's family and said it hoped the Pakistani leadership would "manage to take necessary steps to ensure stability in the country".

France spoke of an "odious" act and said it was deeply concerned.

Ms Bhutto returned from self-imposed exile in October after years out of Pakistan where she had faced corruption charges.

Her return was the result of a power-sharing agreement with President Musharraf in which he granted an amnesty that covered the court cases she was facing.

Since her return relations with Mr Musharraf had broken down.

On the day of her return she led a motor cavalcade through the city of Karachi. It was hit by a double suicide attack that left some 130 dead.

Benazir Assassinated

2007-12-27T06:46:00.001-08:00

Just we got the news from CNN & BBC that confirmed sources said : Former Prime Minister Ms Benazir Bhutto has been assassianted in an election rally in Rawalpindi. She was leaving the election rally when she was shot and blasted with a powerful bomb that killed her immediately. We will publish all the well wsihers' comments about Ms Bhutto & her legacy here .. Please feel free to comment anything you know about her. She left three teenage children who live in Dubai, UAE. She recently in less than 2 months time left the kids for Pakistan for the election.