By IANS
New Delhi : The Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a condolence resolution Friday expressing grief at the assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, describing her untimely death as a “loss for the entire region of South Asia”.
The CWC, which met on the occasion of 123rd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress, said Bhutto’s assassination Thursday was “yet another reminder of the grave challenge posed by the forces of terror and violence”.
The resolution was read out to the media by party president Sonia Gandhi.
Bhutto, 54, was shot dead during an election rally in Rawalpindi Thursday evening. Terror group Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the killing.
“This reprehensible and cowardly act, which has brutally cut short a life full of promise and potential, deserves to be strongly condemned by civilised society.”
Gandhi said the CWC “deeply mourned Bhutto’s untimely death and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the members of her bereaved family, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the people of Pakistan.”
“To lose such a popular and charismatic leader, specially at this critical juncture, is a tragedy for the people of Pakistan. The death is equally a loss for the entire region of South Asia,” the resolution said.
It added: “Bhutto had served her country with courage and distinction knowing fully well the risk involved in the task of restoring a democratic process in Pakistan. Bhutto did not hesitate to risk her life in pursuing this objective with courage, commitment and dedication.
“Her supreme sacrifice to the cause of democracy in Pakistan will continue to be a source of inspiration to those who have firm faith in the spirit of democracy,” the resolution said.
Although the party headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, was decked up for the foundation day celebrations, Bhutto’s assassination and the debacle in Himachal Pradesh made the atmosphere grim.
After its humiliating defeat in Gujarat earlier this week, the party suffered another setback Friday when it was routed in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.