LAHORE, Dec 27: The news of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto’s assassination came as a bombshell in the city, making the people cry over the loss of the national leader. The city was gripped with shock and many grief-stricken people, especially women, fell unconscious after hearing the tragic news through the electronic media.

The news spread like a jungle fire and soon afterwards power supply went off in most localities amid firing by furious people, sending a wave of terror in Lahore. The situation created panic among the people and all markets were closed in anticipation of reaction. The roads wore a deserted look by 9pm and even the city administration looked aghast.

“The only educated and sane political leader has been eliminated and I don’t know what is going to happen in the country,” a tearful man told Dawn near Gulberg’s Mini Market.

The people contacted their relatives at workplaces to inquire about their safety, jamming the telecommunication service for quite some time and adding to the confusion.

A number of people cancelled their functions and get-togethers and postponed marriages. Owners of banquet halls at Gulshan-i-Ravi said most of the functions were cancelled as the parties contacted them in advance.

All petrol pumps were closed and the public transport went off the roads. But this added to the overall confusion and many people, not having their own transport, had to walk down to their homes in fear. The roads and markets plunged into darkness and it looked as if curfew had been imposed in the city.

Armed men resorted to aerial firing in the Walled City, forcing people to close shops in panic. Even drug stores and clinics were closed down. Rescue 1122 ambulances too disappeared for safety.