NEW YORK, Dec 28: The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event with serious implications for Pakistan’s transition to democracy, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

“Political violence of this nature has claimed far too many innocent lives in Pakistan and it must stop,” said Ali Dayan Hasan, South Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Benazir Bhutto was a democrat who believed in the supre-

macy of constitutional rule and throughout her career, sought power through the ballot box.

Today, she died campaigning for votes and calling for a free election.” He said Human Rights Watch called upon the Pakistani government to undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Ms Bhutto’s assassination and fully cooperate with such an investigation.

“Given Benazir’s public accusations of government threats against her and the absence of judicial independence in Pakistan, an independent and transparent investigation is absolutely essential,” said Mr Hasan.

The government and security forces should ensure that fundamental rights are not violated and people are allowed to peacefully express their grief and anger.

“To prevent Pakistan’s descent into further political chaos at this delicate time, it is essential that both the government and Ms Bhutto’s supporters follow the rule of law and remain peaceful,” Mr Hasan said.