World reaction
The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan’s democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice
George W. Bush
She has been assassinated by cowards afraid of democracy. Benazir Bhutto may have been killed by terrorists, but the terrorists must not be allowed to kill democracy in Pakistan
Gordon Brown
Mrs Bhutto was an eminent figure in Pakistani politics. This odious act . . . reaffirms our country’s attachment to Pakistan’s stability and its democracy, which should be at the centre of attention for the international community
Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister
I want to express the most firm condemnation at the savage terrorist attack carried out today in Rawalpindi, which led to the death of Benazir Bhutto and a large number of Pakistani citizens
José Luis RodrÍguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain
Pakistan’s democracy should be at the centre of attention for the whole international community
Romano Prodi, Prime Minister of Italy
The European Commission condemns this callous terrorist attack perpetrated less than two weeks ahead of election day in the strongest terms. This is an attack against democracy
José Manuel Barroso, European Commission President
I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice
Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary-General
It will probably unleash a wave of terrorism. We think this is a dangerous development that will add to the instability ahead of elections in Pakistan Alexander Losyukov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
We express our shock and horror at her death. No words are enough to condemn this abominable act. It is a terrible blow to the democratic process, and no words are adequate to condemn this abominable act
Pranab Mukherjee, Indian Foreign Minister
We condemn this act of cowardice and immense brutality in the strongest possible terms. I am deeply sorry, deeply pained that this brave sister of us, this great daughter of the Muslim world, is no longer with us. She sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of the region
Hamid Karzai, Afghan President
The criminal action today in Rawalpindi is strongly condemned. The Pakistan Government should use all efforts to identify the terrorist group which caused this incident and punish them
Muhammad Ali Hosseini, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman
Benazir Bhutto was a courageous woman who did not hide her ideas, did not know fear and served her country with courage
Shimon Peres, President of Israel
Readers' reaction
Pakistan has always been a murky, dangerous and anarchic place whose short history has been littered with assassinations and other forms of political violence.
H. Juneja, London
Why are they shouting out “dog” about the person they feel responsible for this dastardly deed? I know of no dog that plans murder and suicide attacks.
Helen, Norwich
Our hearts go out to the people of Pakistan. May she rest in peace.
Kathy Maidment, Lancashire
Had she been elected again as the PM it would have improved the status of the Muslim women.
A.H. Rau, Hyderabd, India
Dictatorship or military rule is bad for any country. In the case of Pakistan the so-called democrats like the Bhuttos and Sharifs have been worse than any dictator. One may criticise the Pakistani Army, but out of four military rulers not a single one has taken its money to buy palaces outside.
M.A. Yusufzai, London
The only way to combat fundamental Islam is to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter and a proper education.
Naleen, California
This is just a pretext for the US to send in its forces to secure the next link in the oil supply chain and surround and isolate Iran. Bhutto is, tragically, collateral damage in the ongoing PNAC geo-political game.
Voland, Caen, France
The West must make sure that the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan is well secured and India must take steps to secure its borders. Civil war in Pakistan is now closer than ever.
Mocho, St. Louis
She was a corrupt woman and has been looting the country and done more harm than good. Bhutto was well aware she was not welcome.
N.A.G., London
Once again the forces of evil and darkness come out on top.
Bruce Northwood, Washington
These guys are armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons. Surely it's time for the USA and India to come to the rescue of civilisation?
Thomas Goodey, Cuxton-upon-Medway
I hope Musharaff has the guts to hunt down those responsible.
Ben Richmond, Sheffield
Pakistan can ill afford to sacrifice the few moderate leaders it has left. This assassination will turn out to be a nail in the coffin of the peace process of India.
Ved Prakash, Ranchi, India
Where there is no rule of law, the cancer of extremism will thrive.
Haroon Abbasi, London
Benazir Bhutto was a very brave lady who knew the risks and was prepared to take them for what she believed in.
Anna Warwick, Houston, Texas
We should admire the courage she had to bring forth her message in a country with so much insecurity. Would our spineless leaders have this courage?
Ann, Barcelona
Bhutto did her duty to her god and country and should be admired for her personal courage.
Riaz, Pune, India
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