By IRNA
London : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that he was “deeply shocked” at Thursday’s assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi.
“My thoughts and sincere condolences go to Ms Bhutto’s family at this terrible time, as well as to the families of all those who lost their lives in this senseless attack,” Miliband said.
Bhutto was killed in a presumed suicide attack after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi when gunfire and an explosion occurred.
The British foreign secretary, who met the former prime minister just before she returned in October to end 8 years of self-imposed exile in London, said she “showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country.”
“She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her. This is a time for restraint but also unity,” he said in a written statement.
Miliband said all those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people.
“In targeting Benazir Bhutto extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed,” he said.
The foreign secretary also referred to the large Pakistani community in the UK, who he said, will be gravely concerned about these latest developments.
“Let me reassure them that the UK government will continue to work with all those who want to build a peaceful and democratic Pakistan,” he said.
Opposition Conservative leader described the assassination as an “appalling act of terrorism.”
“Today Pakistan has lost one of its bravest daughters. Those responsible have not only murdered a courageous leader but have put at risk hopes for the country’s return to democracy,” David Cameron said.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also said it was a “dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan.”
“Her tragic death is a hammer blow against the dream of pluralism and tolerance in modern day Pakistan. In the light of her brutal assassination, the need for the full restoration of democracy in Pakistan in now paramount,” Clegg said.