December 28, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 17, 1428

TAXILA, Dec 27: The assassination of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto at an election rally in Liaquat Bagh on Thursday sent a wave of shock to the surrounding cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where people took to the streets and targeted PML-Q election banners and offices and chanted slogans against the government.

An air of gloom settled over Taxila after the news of Ms Bhutto’s assassination spread in the city like wildfire.

Angry protesters tore down the banners of some political parties, restored to firing in the air and chanted slogans against the government and some leaders of political parties. The protesters later assembled on the GT Road near Asifabad and suspended inter-provincial traffic by burning tyres.

The organisers of a PML-N public meeting which was scheduled to be addressed by Nawaz Sharif postponed the gathering in a token protest against the killing of the former premier.

In different statements, local leaders of various political parties condemned the tragic death of Ms Bhutto and termed it the blackest day in the history of the country. They said the vacuum created with the killing of Ms Bhutto would not be filled for a long time. Security was put on red alert and police started patrolling in Taxila and Wah Cantonment to maintain law and order.

ATTOCK: In Attock, hundreds of PPP activists and other people staged a protest demonstration soon after the assassination of Ms Bhutto.

Beating their chests, the protesters gathered at the Fowara Chowk and chanted slogans against the government and PML-Q leaders. They also pelted some nearby buildings including two bank branches with stones.

Later, the protesters, carrying batons and iron rods, marched toward a PML-Q election office at Madni Chowk and burnt furniture, election banners and other property there. A heavy police team led by district police officer Tariq Hanif Joyia rushed to the scene to maintain law and order. A clash occurred between the law enforcers and the demonstrators when the police used tear gas and batons to disperse the rally. As a result, the DPO sustained minor injury to his hand after he was hit with a brick.