New Delhi
December 27, 2007

The news of the assassination of Ms. Benazir Bhutto has deeply shocked and saddened us all. Her life’s unrealized potential has been brutally cut short.

For the people of Pakistan, it is a great tragedy to lose a popular and charismatic leader at this critical juncture. This reprehensible act deserves to be strongly condemned by all those who believe in freedom of expression and democratic values. Her assassination is a painful reminder of the grave threat posed by the forces of violence and terror to the civilized world.

My heart goes out to her loving children and family, her friends, and followers in their moment of grief.

On behalf of the Indian National Congress and my own behalf I convey my deep-felt condolences to her family and the people of Pakistan and wish them all strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.