The Presidency strongly condemns the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and other 15 people in a suicide attack at an election rally at Rawalpindi.

The Presidency condemns extremism in all its forms and expresses its wish that this tragic event does not undermine the on-going democratic process in Pakistan. Moreover, the Presidency calls on the Pakistani people to refrain from violence and civil unrest and pursue the path of national reconciliation.

The Presidency further expresses its heartfelt sympathy for Benazir Bhutto’s family as well as those of the other victims in this time of grief and sincerely hopes that those responsible for this barbaric act of violence will be brought to justice.