New Delhi: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has declared three days of official mourning following the assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf addressed the nation on Wednesday evening and appealed to the people of Pakistan to be calm and patient.
I have always said that Pakistan faces the greatest threat from terrorists. They are our biggest obstacles to progress. On this sad occasion, I would ask the people to cooperate with me in the fight against terrorism. We will not rest till the terrorists are eliminated and their roots are destroyed," he said.
In an address to the nation on state-run PTV, Musharraf said: "Today Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack by a cruel, barbaric terrorist at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi.This is a great tragedy which I cannot describe in words. I am deeply saddened and I condemn it very strongly."
Musharraf also conveyed his grief to Benazir's family, especially her children Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Asifa.
"I also condole the deaths of all the other innocent people who died in the attack and send my sympathies to their families. I pray to Allah for their salvation and peace," he said.
The Presidency was in contact with members of Benazir's family, including her husband Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP leadership to facilitate and assist in the funeral arrangements, official sources said.
Political analysts fear that with the death of Benazir Bhutto, the poll-bound Musharraf — who had doffed his uniform last month and gave up the post of the chief of the army staff — may re-impose Emergency in the country and call off the January 8 polls.
Leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Benazir Bhutto was killed when a sniper shot at her five times when she was leaving her election rally at Liaquat Bagh park.
One bullet pierced her neck. She was rushed to the Rawalpindi General hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
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