Thursday, December 27, 2007
The killing of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was a "senseless attack", UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said.
He added that the government condemned the apparent suicide bombing and called for "restraint" in Pakistan.
Conservative leader David Cameron called Ms Bhutto's killing "an appalling act of terrorism".
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the "full restoration of democracy" in Pakistan was now the priority.
Ms Bhutto, a two-times prime minister, was killed as she campaigned in the northern city of Rawalpindi, ahead of elections due in January.
'Deeply shocked'
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to give his reaction to her death later.
In a statement, Mr Miliband said: "I am deeply shocked by news of the latest attack in Rawalpindi, which has claimed the life of Benazir Bhutto and killed at least 15 other people."
He added: "Benazir Bhutto 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 dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan
Nick Clegg, Lib Dems
"This is a time for restraint but also unity. 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.
"The large Pakistani community in the United Kingdom 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."
Ms Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan People's Party, was holding an election rally when gunfire and an explosion occurred.
'Hammer blow'
Her death has plunged her party into confusion and raised questions about whether January elections will go ahead as planned, the BBC's Barbara Plett in Islamabad says.
Mr Cameron said: "This is 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."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "This is a dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan.
"Benazir Bhutto was a courageous politician known throughout the world, not just Pakistan, for her forthright and sometimes controversial views.
"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."
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: "The sense of grief at her senseless killing will I know be shared not just by Pakistani communities across the world but by everyone, because this terrorism is an attack on us all, regardless of race, religion or party.
"We will ensure that it is defeated."
The Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, said: "Benazir Bhutto has been a personal friend for many years.
"Her murder by extremists is a body blow for freedom and democracy in Pakistan."
He added: "I do hope that general elections can still be held and that the cause of democracy can survive this catastrophe."
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