Death of Benazir Bhutto Sparks Outrage

On October 18 hundreds of thousands gathered in the streets of Karachi to greet Benazir Bhutto as she returned home fallowing 8 years of self imposed exile. Karachi is described as the stronghold of Pakistan's People's Party. The celebration was soon be brought to an abrupt end by a bomb attack targeting Bhutto's convoy. Although unharmed herself the blast resulted in the death of 139 bystanders. she had returned home to attempt to win a third terms as Pakistan's prime minister. She aligned herself with long time political adversary, Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister after vowing not to make any deals with President Musharraf.

Benazir Bhutto had served twice as Pakistani prime minister between 1988 and 1996, was killed in shooting/suicide bombing while leaving a political rally in the city of Rawalpindi. According to AljazeeraNews the attacker first fired gunshots at Bhutto's vehicle as she left the rally, she ducked for cover and he detonated the bomb. Bhutto was later pronounced dead at Rawalpindi General Hospital. Rivals and supporters alike have condemned the attack that resulted in her death. At least 16-20 bystanders were also killed in the blast. Fallowing the blast reports say body parts were scattered across Liaqat Bagh park where Bhutto had just spoken. Police quickly cordoned off the area as rescue workers rushed to the aid of the injured.

As news of Bhutto's death reached her supporters at the hospital they began smashing glass doors and throwing rocks at cars. In Rawalpindi, Her supporters burned election posters and attacked police who were then forced to flee the area. In Peshawar outraged supporters raised anti-Musharraf banners while in Karachi thousands gathered in the streets.

Outside of the hospotal Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister, told supporters "I assure you that I will fight your war from now on." and "Benazir Bhutto was also my sister, and I will be with you to take the revenge for her death," He went on to say he shared the grief of the entire nation. "We are shocked. We are stunned. Every single one of us is mourning the loss of our leader." said Javaid Manzoor, President of the PPP party.

The attack has sparked international outrage as well. U.S. President George Bush said "The US strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. We stand with the people of Pakistan in that struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honour Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with a democratic process." The UN Secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible." Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai who had met with Bhutto earlier on Thursday said "She sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region". Further condemnation came from a host of other countries including China. The Vatican has also condemned the attack.

Pervez Musharraf reportedly called an emergency meeting after the bombing and later asked all Pakistanis to remain calm "so that the evil designs of terrorists can be defeated," according to state TV.

Bhutto and other Musharraf opponents had recently accused him of planing to rig the upcoming elections as radicals had said they would disrupt the voting. the voting scheduled for January 8 will now most likely be cancelled. The death of Bhutto will most certainly deepen the political divide in Pakistan.