Pakistani ex-Premier Benazir Bhutto assassinated

PanARMENIAN.Net - December 27, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been shot dead at an election rally - sparking riots across the country.



The gunman then detonated a bomb, killing at least 15 of her supporters in Rawalpindi. Many more were injured in the suicide blast. At least four people have been shot dead in rioting as fears grow the nuclear-armed country will be plunged into civil war.



In Karachi, capital of Ms Bhutto's native Sindh province, thousands took to the streets, torching dozens of vehicles and buildings. "There is trouble almost everywhere," a senior police official said.



The killing came less than two weeks before elections many expected would return Ms Bhutto to power and restore democracy.



Nawaz Sharif, the leader of a rival opposition party, vowed revenge and said his party would boycott the January 8 poll.



Leaders around the world condemned the assassination as Pakistan announced three days of mourning. In an emergency session, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to track down those behind the "reprehensible act".



Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "She has been assassinated by cowards afraid of democracy. This attack strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win."



U.S. President George Bush said for the killing must be brought to justice, Sky News reports.