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| December 27, 2007 | Thursday | Zilhaj 16, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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Plane with Bhutto's coffin leaves Islamabad: ministry
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28, (AFP) - An air force plane with the body of slain Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto left Islamabad Friday for a flight to the city of Sukkur ahead of her funeral, an interior ministry official said. Her husband Asif Zardari, who had arrived from Dubai shortly before, and their three children got a brief chance to see the body before the plane took off, officials from Bhutto's political party said. “The plane has taken off, bound for Sukkur,” the ministry official said. (Posted @ 02:14 PST)
Benazir's body to be laid to rest next to her father's grave Ratodero, Sindh, Dec 28, (PPI) - The body of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will be laid to rest next to her father's grave at her ancestral graveyard in Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto near Larkana. (Posted @ 01:52 PST)
Benazir Bhutto's husband arrives in Islamabad ISLAMABAD, Dec 28, (AFP) - Benazir Bhutto's husband Asif Zardari arrived in Pakistan late Thursday for her funeral, officials from her party told AFP. “Mr. Zardari has arrived from Dubai,” said Farhatullah Babar, spokesman for Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party. “I cannot say at the moment when we will fly from Islamabad,” Babar said. Benazir Bhutto is expected to be buried in the city of Larkana on Friday. (Posted @ 01:06 PST)
US presidential hopefuls on Bhutto assassination Washington, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Democratic and Republican candidates for the U.S. presidency in 2008 condemned the assassination on Thursday of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Following are some of their comments. DEMOCRATS: DELAWARE SEN. JOE BIDEN: “I am convinced Ms. Bhutto would have won free and fair elections next week. NEW YORK SEN. HILLARY CLINTON: “Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability, and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred, and violence.” CONNECTICUT SEN. CHRIS DODD: “As we recognize the loss of a leader today, we must also recognize the implication of today's tragedy to the security of the region and to that of the United States. At this critical time we must do everything in our power to help Pakistan continue the path toward democracy and full elections. Our first priority must be to ensure stability in this critical nuclear state.” FORMER NORTH CAROLINA SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: “At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto's movement toward democracy continues.” ILLINOIS SEN. BARACK OBAMA: “I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. ... We join with them (the Pakistani people) in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world.” NEW MEXICO GOV. BILL RICHARDSON: “The United States government cannot stand by and allow Pakistan's return to democracy to be derailed or delayed by violence. ... President George W. Bush should press Musharraf to step aside, and a broad-based coalition government, consisting of all the democratic parties, should be formed immediately. Until this happens, we should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government.” REPUBLICANS: FORMER NEW YORK CITY MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI: “The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law.” FORMER ARKANSAS GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE: “This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation.” ARIZONA SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: “The death of Benazir Bhutto underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism.” (Posted @ 00:46 PST)
Bush has spoken with Pakistan's Musharraf -W.House
CRAWFORD, Texas, Dec 27 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush spoke with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday afternoon after opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. The leaders spoke briefly at about 1315 EST, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said. He did not have any details about what they said. (Posted @ 00:18 PST)Pakistan's Sharif says to boycott January election ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Pakistani opposition leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday his party would boycott a Jan. 8 general election because of the assassination of another opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto. “The PML (N) is boycotting the election after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” Sharif told a news conference in Islamabad. “Free elections are not possible in the presence of Musharraf,” he said. “Musharraf is the root cause of all problems.” Old rivals Bhutto, also a former prime minister, and Sharif had recently cooperated in their opposition to Musharraf. (Posted @ 00:04 PST)
Commonwealth says Bhutto death ”dark day for Pakistan” LONDON, Dec 27 (Reuters) - The Commonwealth, which suspended Pakistan over last month's emergency rule declaration, said the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday was a “dark day” for Pakistan. “This is a heinous and cowardly act of violence and an utterly senseless tragedy,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said in a statement. “This is a dark day for Pakistan and the Commonwealth.” (Posted @ 23:56 PST)
Bhutto's coffin leaves hospital to airport RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AFP) - The body of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was taken from hospital Thursday night in preparation for a flight to her hometown of Larkana, an AFP reporter on the scene said. (Posted @ 23:54 PST)
Bangladesh condemns Bhutto killing as 'unpardonable crime' DHAKA, Dec 27 (AFP) - Bangladesh Thursday condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto as an “unpardonable crime” and a “barbaric act.” ”It is an unpardonable crime. It has shocked the world,” Fakhruddin Ahmed, head of the country's military-backed emergency government, said in a statement. (Posted @ 23:50 PST)
Putin condemns 'barbarous' Bhutto assassination
MOSCOW, Dec 27 (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the assassination Thursday of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto as a “barbarous act of terrorism”. (Posted @ 23:44 PST)Fazal condoles Benazir's death LAHORE, Dec 27 (APP): Chief of Jamiatul Ulema-i-Islam Pakistan and Secretary General MMA, Maulana Fazalur Rehman in his reaction over the death of Benazir Bhuttoo said “it is a great tragedy and will have impact on the politics of the country for long time to come.” (Posted @ 23:42 PST)
Five dead, dozens of vehicles and properties burnt in Karachi violence KARACHI, Dec 27 (APP)- Dozens of vehicles including trucks and buses were set ablaze, movement of trains to and from Karachi was seriously disrupted, and at least five persons were killed when violence erupted in Karachi following the assassination of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. Groups of violent people roamed around and resorted to indiscriminate firing, loot and arson. They torched a number of banks and petrol pumps and also looted shops in certain areas. Areas around Lyari, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Malir and Bin Qasim areas were worst affected. Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station was also set ablaze. Railway traffic was disrupted after violent mobs torched several railway stations and blocked the railway track at various places. Khushhal Express was set ablaze after passengers were forced out, while 152-Down Mirpurkhas-Hyderabad passenger train was put on fire at Tando Jam Station. Reports said the Junh Shahi station was also torched. As a precautionary step, trains were stopped at various stations. According to Karachi Railway Division sources, Bolan Mail was stopped at Saan Railway station near Dadu town, Baluchistan Express and Millat Express were stopped at Run Pathani Station, Mehran Express at Bholari railway station, Korakoram at Drigh Road railway station and Super Express at Buradabad railway station. A large number of out-bound air passengers could not reach airport because of serious traffic jams and missed their flights. (Posted @ 23:36 PST)
Musharraf says terrorists killed Benazir, urges unity ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was the work of terrorists and he called on the people for their support. “This cruelty is the work of those terrorists with whom we are fighting,” Musharraf said in a brief televised address. “The biggest threat to Pakistan and this nation is from these terrorists,” he said. “I seek unity and support from the nation ... we will not sit and rest until we get rid of these terrorists, root them out.” He declared three days of mourning. (Posted @ 23:16 PST)
UN's Ban condemns Bhutto killing, council meets
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 27 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the assassination on Thursday of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto as an “assault on stability” in Pakistan, while the U.N. Security Council went into consultations to discuss the killing. “I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible,” Ban said in a statement. (Posted @ 23:00 PST)Benazir supporters take anger to the streets ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Angry supporters of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto took to the streets of Pakistani cities on Thursday, from the Himalayas to the southern coast. The unrest was predictably fiercest in Bhutto's native Sindh province and its capital, Karachi. “Police in Sindh have been put on red alert,” said a senior police official. “We have increased deployment and are patrolling in all the towns and cities, as there is trouble almost everywhere,” he said. Reports said security was deteriorating in Karachi, where thousands poured on to the streets to protest. At least three banks, a government office and a post office were set on fire, a witness said. Tyres were set on fire on many roads, and shooting and stone-throwing was reported in many places. Most shops and markets in the city shut down. At least 20 vehicles were torched in Sindh’s second biggest town of Hyderabad. There were also small protests in Rawalpindi and the nearby capital, Islamabad. Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and chanted anti-Musharraf slogans in Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir. Police said they had been ordered to block the main road between Punjab province and Sindh province, apparently to stop the movement of protesters. Disturbances were also reported in the southeastern city of Multan, although details were sketchy. In Lahore, capital of Punjab province, Bhutto party workers burnt three buses and damaged several other vehicles, police said. (Posted @ 22:38 PST)
Israeli president shocked by Bhutto killing JERUSALEM, Dec 27 (AFP) - Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Thurday he was shocked by the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. “Benazir Bhutto was a courageous woman who did not hide her ideas, did not know fear and served her country with courage,” Israel's elder statesman said in a statement released by his office. “I had the opportunity to meet her on several occasions and she expressed great interest in what was happening in Israel during those encounters and said she hoped to visit once she returned to power. “Benazir Bhutto was a charismatic leader and a determined combatant for peace in her country and in the world,” said Peres, who won the Nobel peace prize for his efforts for Middle East peace. Israel has no diplomatic relations with Pakistan, the world's second-most populous Muslim-majority country. (Posted @ 22:20 PST)
At least four dead in rioting after Bhutto death: police ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (AFP) - At least four people were shot dead as rioting broke out in several cities across Pakistan on Thursday following the death of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, police sources said. (Posted @ 22:18 PST)
MQM chief grieved on Benazir's assassination
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): MQM chief Altaf Hussain Thursday expressed his heartfelt condolence on the assassination of Ms Benazir Bhutto and prayed for fortitude and courage to her family members and party colleagues to bear the irreparable loss. “It is the loss of entire country and murder of liberalism and democratic system in Pakistan. I'm grieved and offer my condolence to her family and the PPP,” he told private tv channels. (Posted @ 22:10 PST)Musharraf announces 3-day mourning ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf Thursday termed killing of chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party Ms Benazir Bhutto “a great national tragedy” and announced three-day mourning. (Posted @ 21:58 PST)
Police confirm Benazir was shot before bombing ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (AFP) Benazir Bhutto was shot in the neck by her attacker before he blew himself up in a suicide attack Thursday outside a campaign rally, police officials confirmed. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital but it was not immediately known if it was the gunshot wound that killed her. “The attacker fired and then blew himself up,” said one of the officials, who asked not to be named. (Posted @ 21:58 PST)
Benazir funeral plans on Zardari’s return ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (AFP) Benazir Bhutto's spokesman said Thursday no decision would be made on when the assassinated former premier's funeral would be held until her husband Asif Zardari returned to Pakistan from Dubai. “So far a programme for the funeral has not been decided. We are awaiting Mr Zardari and a decision about the funeral will be taken after that,” Farhatullah Babar said. (Posted @ 21:50 PST)
Court, banks ablaze in caretaker PM's hometown
JACOBABAD, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AFP) The main court, banks and other buildings were set on fire in Jacobabad, hometown of Pakistan's caretaker prime minister Mohammedmian Soomro after Benazir Bhutto's assassination Thursday, an AFP reporter said. Mobs also torched several shops, including some belonging to relatives of Mr. Soomro, said residents of the city, in the Sindh province. Portraits of Soomro were also set on fire while demonstrators took to the streets, blocking roads and a railway track. (Posted @ 21:46 PST)World leaders warn Bhutto killing must not destabilise Pakistan Washington, Dec 27 (AFP) – World leaders condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday and warned that extremists must not be allowed to destabilise the country ahead of next month's vote. Governments worldwide urged Pakistani leaders to work to maintain calm, as President Pervez Musharraf appealed to the nation to remain peaceful “so that the evil designs of terrorists can be defeated”. US President George W Bush strongly condemned the “cowardly” assassination and urged the key US ally to stay on the democratic path. “ The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov warned of the attack's possible repercussions. “It will probably unleash a wave of terrorism,” Losyukov was quoted by ITAR-TASS news agency as saying. “We think this is a dangerous development that will add to the instability ahead of elections in Pakistan,” Losyukov said. Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukehrjee expressed “shock and horror”; Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the murder was an act of “immense brutality” by the “enemies” of Pakistan and of peace. The European Commission called the killing “an attack against democracy and against Pakistan.” ”We hope that Pakistan will remain firmly on track for a return to democratic civilian rule,” Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in a statement. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was “deeply shocked” by Bhutto's death and called for “restraint but also unity.” ”In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan,” he added in a statement. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi condemned the “fanaticism” that caused the attack and called for “the difficult path to peace” to continue. The UN Security Council was to meet in emergency session later Thursday to discuss the situation, a UN spokeswoman said. French President Nicolas Sarkozy called the assassination an “odious act”, while the Vatican said it was “terrible and tragic”. Iran urged authorities to track down the “terrorists” responsible for the killing. In the United Arab Emirates, where Bhutto lived in exile for some years, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan said in a statement carried by the official WAM news agency that “the UAE has been tormented by this huge loss”. Japan said the attack was “absolutely unacceptable.” Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero expressed his “determination to cooperate closely with Pakistan in consolidating democracy and eradicating terrorism.” (Posted @ 21:44 PST)
Caretaker PM Soomro says country will unearth 'conspiracy' ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (AFP) Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro said Thursday the government would “unearth the conspiracy” against Pakistan after Benazir Bhutto's assassination, which he called an “inhuman act of terrorism”. In a statement, the caretaker leader appealed for calm and pledged that all efforts would be made to track down those responsible for the killing. “Those responsible for this cowardly act of violence cannot be friends of Pakistan,” he said. “This cowardly and inhuman act of terrorism will be traced down to the bottom, and the government will use all possible means to unearth this conspiracy against the country,” he said. (Posted @ 21:26 PST)
Bush condemns 'cowardly' Benazir assassination
CRAWFORD, Texas, Dec 27 (AFP) US President George W. Bush Thursday strongly condemned the “cowardly” assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto and urged Pakistan to stay on the democratic path. “The US strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy,” Bush told reporters hours after Benazir was killed in Rawalpindi. (Posted @ 21:24 PST)Sindh mourns death of Benazir KARACHI, Dec.27 (PPI): Everything came to a standstill across Sindh province including Karachi soon after reports of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. In Karachi, all business centres, petrol pumps and shops were closed down. There were reports of firing and demonstrations from different areas including Malir, Dalmia, Lyari, Gulstan-e-Johar and other localities Three vehicles were torched in Model colony (Malir). In Hyderabad, Larkana, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Hala, Mirpur Khas, Khairpur, Naudero, Kotri, Jamshoro, Sehwan, Manjhand, Thana Bola Khan, Thatta, Tando Jam and other towns similar protest demonstrations were being held when last reports came in. In Naudero, the hometown of Ms. Benazir, thousands of people gathered at her house. In Hala, the home town of Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the enraged people blocked the national highway. (Posted @ 21:20 PST)
China condemns Benazir killing BEIJING, Dec 27 (AFP) China Thursday expressed shock at the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto and “strongly condemns” the attack, the Xinhua news agency reported. Foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China “is shocked at the killing of Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and strongly condemns the terrorist attack,” Xinhua said. (Posted @ 21:15 PST)
Benazir killing an act of 'immense brutality': Hamid Karzai KABUL, Dec 27 (AFP) Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday's assassination of Benazir Bhutto was an act of “immense brutality” that had resulted in a “big loss for all of us.” Karzai met Benazir on a state visit to Pakistan just hours before her killing, which he blamed on the “enemies” of Pakistan and of peace. “We in Afghanistan condemn this act of cowardice and immense brutality in the strongest possible terms,” Karzai told a news briefing called in reaction to the assassination. (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Ten vehicles, a bank torched in Hala town
Hala, Sindh, Dec.27 (PPI): At least ten vehicles and a bank were set ablaze Thursday evening by the enraged people in Hala, the hometown of party's central leader Makhdoom amin Fahim. Enraged people also burnt tyres and blocked traffic in Shahdadpur, another town of Sindh province. Reports of angry protests were also pouring in from other parts of Sindh province. (Posted @ 20:58 PST)Musharraf condemns the killing of Benazir Bhutto, urges calm ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (AP) President Pervez Musharraf condemned the killing Thursday of former premier Benazir Bhutto and called for calm, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. Musharraf also called a high-level emergency meeting to discuss the government's response, the agency said. ''He urged the people to stay calm to face this tragedy and grieve with a renewed resolve to continue the fight against terror,'' the agency reported. (Posted @ 20:56 PST)
EU condemns Benazir killing as strike 'against Pakistan' BRUSSELS, Dec 27 (AFP) The European Commission condemned Thursday the killing of former premier Benazir Bhutto as “an attack against democracy and against Pakistan.” ”The European Commission condemns this callous terrorist attack perpetrated less than two weeks ahead of election day in the strongest terms,” Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in a statement. “This is an attack against democracy and against Pakistan,” he said, sending the EU executive arm's condolences to Benazir’s family and of the other victims. (Posted @ 20:54 PST)
Italian PM condemns 'fanaticism' of Benazir killing ROME, Dec 27 (AFP) Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi condemned the “fanaticism” that caused the death of former premier Benazir Bhutto Thursday and called for “the difficult path to peace” to continue. “I express my sadness and that of the whole government following the tragic death of Benazir Bhutto, a woman who wanted to fight her battle until the end with just one weapon - that of dialogue and political discussion,” Prodi said in a statement. (Posted @ 20:48 PST)
Benazir’s death: Musharraf convenes emergency meeting
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (Reuters) – Formr prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination Thursday in a suicide attack has left a void at the top of her Pakistan People's Party, and has also thrown into turmoil U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to bring stability to this key U.S. ally by reconciling her and President Pervez Musharraf. Shortly after Benazir’s death, President Pervez Musharraf convened an emergency meeting with his senior staff, where they were expected to discuss whether to postpone the election, an official at the Interior Ministry said, speaking on condition of anonymity. As news of her death spread, supporters at the hospital in Rawalpindi smashed glass doors and stoned cars. Many chanted anti-Musharraf slogans. Angry supporters also took to the streets in the northwestern city of Peshawar as well other areas. In Rawalpindi, the site of the attack, Bhutto's supporters burned election posters from the ruling party and attacked police, who fled from the scene. In Karachi, shop owners quickly closed their businesses as supporters from Bhutto's party burned tires on the roads. Nawaz Sharif, another former premier and leader of a rival opposition party, speaking to the BBC, questioned whether to hold the elections. “I think perhaps none of us is inclined to think of the elections,” he said. “We would have to sit down and take a very serious look at the current situation together with the People's Party and see what we have to do in the coming days.” The attacker struck just minutes after Benazir Bhutto addressed an election rally of thousands of supporters. There were conflicting accounts over the sequence of events. Rehman Malik, Bhutto's security adviser, said she was shot in the neck and chest by the attacker, who then blew himself up. But Javed Iqbal Cheema, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, told state-run Pakistan Television that Bhutto died when a suicide bomber struck her vehicle. Bhutto was rushed to the hospital and taken into emergency surgery. “At 6:16 p.m. she expired,” said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of PPP who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital. (Posted @ 20:30 PST)US condemns attack on Benazir WASHINGTON, Dec 27 (Reuters) - The United States condemned an attack that killed Benazir Bhutto, a U.S. State Department official said on Thursday. “The attack shows that there are still those in Pakistan trying to undermine reconciliation and democratic development,” the official said. President George W. Bush, spending the holidays at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, was briefed on the reports about the Bhutto assassination. “The president has been informed about the situation in Pakistan,” White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said but did not provide any more details. (Posted @ 20:12 PST)
Asif Zardari, children on way to Pakistan DUBAI, Dec 27 (AFP) - Supporters of slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in the United Arab Emirates expressed shock and grief after she was assassinated in suicide attack on Thursday. “This is a big tragedy for Pakistan. This is a very big shock for us,” Zubeir Bashir, Middle East spokesman for Bhutto's PPP told AFP by telephone. He said that Benazir’s husband Asif Zardari and members of Bhutto family including their children who had remained in Dubai after her return to her homeland in October were already on their way to Pakistan. (Posted @ 20:00 PST)
India calls Bhutto death terrible blow to democracy
NEW DELHI, Dec 27 (Reuters) - India said the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday was a tragedy and a terrible blow to the democratic process. “In her death the subcontinent has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country,” said Sanjaya Baru, spokesman for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. “It is equally sad that this happened when the people of Pakistan were looking up to her,” junior Indian foreign minister Anand Sharma told the NDTV news channel. “It is a terrible blow to the democratic process, and no words are adequate to condemn this abominable act,” he said. (Posted @ 20:06 PST)Sharif vows to fight Bhutto's 'war' RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AFP) - Pakistan opposition leader Nawaz Sharif vowed to “fight your war from now on” after the assassination Thursday of Benazir Bhutto and said he shared the grief of “the entire nation”. A shaken Sharif was speaking outside the hospital where Bhutto, 54, died in a suicide attack after a campaign rally for next month's parliamentary elections. “I assure you that I will fight your war from now on,” he told Bhutto's supporters, who were crying and wailing outside the hospital in the city of Rawalpindi. “I share your sorrow and grief along with the entire nation,” Sharif said. (Posted @ 20:04 PST)
Pakistan police tear gas protest after Bhutto killed PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AFP) - Pakistan police used tear gas and batons to break up an angry demonstration Thursday in the city of Peshawar after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, an AFP reporter on the scene said. (Posted @ 19:46 PST)
France condemns Bhutto killing PARIS, Dec 27 (AFP) - France on Thursday condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, describing it as an “odious act.” A statement said that Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner “expresses his deep emotion following the attack which has cost the life of Benazir Bhutto, whom he knew personally.” ”He presents his condolences to her family, to the victims of this attack and to the Pakistani people. He strongly condemns this odious act. He salutes the memory of Mrs Bhutto, an eminent figure in Pakistani politics,” the statement said. “He reaffirms our country's attachment to Pakistan's stability and its democracy, which should be at the centre of attention for the whole international community,” it said. (Posted @ 19:42 PST)
Benazir Bhutto killed in gun, bomb attack
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack after an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi on Thursday. Police said a suicide bomber fired shots at Bhutto as she was leaving the rally venue in a park before blowing himself up. “The man first fired at Bhutto's vehicle. She ducked and then he blew himself up,” said police officer Mohammad Shahid. Police said 16 other people had been killed in the blast, but tv channels said at 20 persons were killed.“ A Reuters witness at the scene of the attack said he had heard two shots moments before the blast. Another Reuters witness saw bodies and a mutilated human head strewn on a road outside the park where she held her rally. People cried and hugged each other outside the hospital where she died and residents of Karachi, Bhutto's home town, said they had heard gun shots after news of Bhutto's death spread, apparently from her enraged supporters. (Posted @ 19:26 PST)Gold, bonds rise after Bhutto death LONDON, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Gold and government bonds rose while U.S. stock futures fell on Thursday after news Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack after an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi. Financial market moves accelerated after weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data released shortly after the news. Data showed new orders for long-lasting U.S.-made manufactured goods rose by a much less-than-expected 0.1 percent during November. Gold rallied to a one-month high, reaching $834.70 an ounce. Analysts say the shock of the Bhutto news triggered a classic capital flight to assets which are considered as safe havens in times of geopolitical stress. “(Bhutto) is just a concern. The move to gold is the flight to safety and quality on the headlines on a quiet illiquid day,” said Camilla Sutton, currency strategist at Scotia Capital in Toronto. U.S. government bond prices were up 78 ticks for a yield of 4.1872 percent. Euro zone government bond prices also rose after the Bhutto news and U.S. data, paring earlier losses to standing slightly down on the day. U.S. stock futures were down around 0.3 percent, indicating a weaker open on Wall Street later. World stocks, on a MSCI measure, were up a quarter percent on the day. (Posted @ 19:18 PST)
Benazir Bhutto dead in Pakistan attack: interior ministry RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AFP) Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was killed Thursday in a suicide attack at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh campaign rally, the interior ministry told AFP. A suicide bomber blew himself up just after the rally. “It may have been pellets packed into the suicide bomber's vest that hit her,” interior ministry spokesman Javed Cheema said. (Posted @ 19:04 PST)
Bhutto dies in suicide blast, about 20 killed
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (AP) - Opposition leader and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto died Thursday from her injuries sustained in a suicide attack, a party aide said. “At 6:16 p.m. she expired,” said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of Bhutto's party who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital. A senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment, confirmed that Benazir Bhutto had died. Her supporters at the hospital began chanting anti-Musharrafslogans and some of them smashed the glass door at the main entrance of the emergency unit; others burst into tears. One man with a flag of Pakistan People's Party tied around his head was beating his chest. Sen. Babar Awan, Bhutto's lawyer, said, “The surgeons confirmed that she has been martyred.” At least 20 others were killed in the blast that took place as Bhutto left a political rally where she addressed thousands of supporters to canvas votes for Jan. 8 parliamentary elections. Benazir Bhutto served twice as Pakistan's prime minister between 1988 and 1996. She had returned to Pakistan from an eight-year exile on Oct. 18. Her homecoming parade in Karachi was also targeted by a suicide attacker, killing more than 140 people. On that occasion she narrowly escaped injury. (Posted @ 18:54 PST)Benazir’s death may trigger terror: Russian diplomat MOSCOW, Dec 27 (Reuters) The killing of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto Thursday could trigger a wave of terror in the country, a top Russian diplomat was quoted as saying. “An act of terror is a bad sign,” Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov, Russia's most senior Asia diplomat, told Itar-Tass news agency. “We hereby offer our condolences. This will for certain trigger a wave of terrorism.” (Posted @ 18:52 PST)
Benazir Bhutto killed in gun, bomb attack RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Dec 27 (Reuters) Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack after a rally in Rawalpindi Thursday, Pakistan People’s Party said. “She has been martyred,” said party official Rehman Malik. Benazir, 54, died in hospital in Rawalpindi. A private tv channel said she had been shot in the head. Police said a suicide bomber fired shots at Benazir as she was leaving the rally venue in a park before blowing himself up. “The man first fired at Bhutto's vehicle. She ducked and then he blew himself up,” said police officer Mohammad Shahid. Police said 16 people had been killed in the blast. Earlier, party officials said Benazir was safe. A Reuters witness said he saw bodies on a road as well as a mutilated human head. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
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The DAWN Group of Newspapers
Haroon House, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Karachi 74200, Pakistan.
Phone:+92 (21) 111-444-777 Fax: +92 (21) 569-3995
webmaster@dawn.com
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