By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan will observe 3-day mourning over the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed in firing and suicide attack in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Thursday, President Pervez Musharraf announced.
“Today Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack by a cruel, barbaric terrorist in Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi,” the President said in a message telecast on Pakistan Television.
President Pervez Musharraf condemned the tragic murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and expressed the resolve to combat extremists and terrorists, till their elimination.
In a message to the bereaved family, he termed killing of chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party Ms Benazir Bhutto “a great tragedy” and announced three-day national mourning.
“This is a great tragedy which I cannot describe in words … I am deeply saddened and I condemn it very strongly,” the President said.
The President conveyed his condolences to the entire family of Ms Bhutto including her mother Begum Nusrat Bhutto, her husband Asif Zardari and her children.
“My prayers, my sentiments, and my sympathies are with the children of Mohtarma Bhutto Bilawal (her son) and daughters Bakhtawar and Asifa.”
He said his sympathies are also with all those innocent countrymen and their families, who fell a victim of this heinous crime.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear this tragic loss.
The President said the national flag will fly at half mast for three day as a mark of respect for Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and to mourn this great tragedy.
He said the act was carried out by those very terrorists, with whom the government was already fighting.
“Pakistan and the nation faces the greatest threat from these terrorists. I, on this tragic incident want to express my resolve, and also seek solidarity from the nation, their cooperation, also to stand by me, that we will not rest with peace, until we eliminate these terrorists, and root them out.”
“Because it is vital for the survival of our nation and for its development as these are a major impediment in our progress.” The President on this occasion appealed to the nation to remain calm and exhibit tolerance and patience.