By IANS
Islamabad : Benazir Bhutto began her day in hope Thursday, reaching out to Afghan President Hamid Karzai and speaking of a new beginning between their nations. Hours later, it ended in tragedy with the gory assassination of the former Pakistani prime minister.
“We will improve trade… and eliminate extremism and terrorism. It’s time for a new beginning between our nations,” an upbeat Bhutto said after meeting Karzai, laying down the roadmap if her Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged victorious in the Jan 8 general elections.
From the meeting, Bhutto headed for a PPP rally at a park where, ironically, Pakistan’s first prime minister Liaqat Ali was assassinated in 1951 and which is now named after him.
After a rapturous welcome from the huge crowd, Bhutto spoke on her pet theme of her vision for a new Pakistan. As the crowd repeatedly cheered, Bhutto, wearing a purple kurta and jacket, wound up her address, waved to the multitude and moved down the steps of the dais.
There are conflicting versions of what happened next. Journalist Munizae Jehangir said Bhutto had entered her SUV and the vehicle began to move forward when PPP supporters surrounded it and forced it to stop.
Bhutto came out of the vehicle to greet them when suddenly two men armed with AK-47s rode by on motorcycles and pumped three bullets into her. Bhutto ducked but two bullets hit her in the head while one pierced her neck. The two attackers then blew themselves up.
As the crowds ran helter-skelter, Bhutto was immediately rushed to the Rawalpindi General Hospital where she was declared dead at 6.16 p.m. Pakistan time (6.46 p.m Indian time).