Commonwealth Secretary-General condemns assassination of Benazir Bhutto

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, has strongly condemned the killing of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi earlier today, and expressed his deep shock and sorrow. The following is the text of his statement:

“This is a heinous and cowardly act of violence, and an utterly senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to Ms Bhutto’s husband and children, to other members of the bereaved family, and to all her followers and admirers. On behalf of the Commonwealth, I convey my deepest sympathy at the loss they and the people of Pakistan have suffered. My condolences go also to the families of the many others killed in this attack.

This is a dark day for Pakistan and the Commonwealth. I strongly condemn this outrageous act. Violence can serve no useful purpose in any society, especially in one that is seeking to rebuild democracy and reconcile deep divisions. Such an act can only strengthen the hands of those who seek to repudiate the path of democracy and dialogue.

Benazir Bhutto was a woman of charisma and courage. Barely two months ago, on the very day of her return to Pakistan, she escaped narrowly in another appalling attack on her convoy, which claimed 150 innocent lives. She still pursued her political and public life, as she wanted to make a contribution to her country.

I hope that this terrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process. The Commonwealth stands by Pakistan in that effort.”

Note to Editors

On 22 November 2007, on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth over “the serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values”.

The Commonwealth has pledged to remain closely engaged with Pakistan, as a valued member of the Commonwealth, in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. It promised in Kampala to review progress following the conduct of scheduled parliamentary elections in January 2008. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group underlined its support for and solidarity with the people of Pakistan, “who have a right to enjoy the provisions and protections of its Constitution, with fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, and the rule of law”.

For media inquiries, please contact Eduardo del Buey, Official Spokesperson and Director of Communications on telephone number +44(0)20 7747 6380 or by email: e.delbuey@commonwealth.int