6.45pm Alan Collins has the reaction of our Gillingham and Rainham candidate Rehman Chishti: “I have lost a dear friend who was not just a political friend – she
was more like a mother. She was my mentor too. When I went to work for
her in 1999 she was my mentor. She was the greatest politician I
ever could have worked with – sincere, humble and down to earth. The
world has suffered a great loss. My heart goes out to her three children and husband. I can’t believe she has gone.”
5.15pm: Video memories of Benazir Bhutto
4.25pm: BEN ROGERS HAS WRITTEN FOR PLATFORM: BENAZIR BHUTTO’S DEATH IS A TRAGEDY FOR PAKISTAN; A CRISIS FOR THE WORLD
4.25pm: Rudy Giuliani’s response: “The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law. Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the Terrorists’ War on Us.” Washington Wire has other US reactions.
4.05pm: EU Referendum: "With probably over a million Pakistani immigrants in this country,
there is also a strong domestic dimension. There are justified fears
that violence in Pakistan might spill over into the streets of
Bradford, Coventry and other major British towns and cities, or that
perceived wrongs to Pakistan will visit the sort of action meted out to
Benazir Bhutto. Either way, the assassination of Bhutto is a profound and dangerous development, and one from which no good can come."
4pm Fraser Nelson has already noted that Bhutto’s Wikipedia entry was updated within minutes. YouTube also has a large number of videos capturing coverage of her death. This rudimentary video is the first tribute uploaded.
CNN has world leaders’ reactions | BBC has pictures of Bhutto’s final rally
3.30pm: David Cameron’s reaction: "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.”
3.30pm: Nick
Clegg’s reaction: "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."
3.30pm: David
Miliband’s reaction: "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. 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 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."
2.35pm: James Forsyth
thinks that the assassination significantly reduces the west’s options
in Pakistan: "Musharraf now knows that the West has no palatable
alternative to him—Nawaz Sharif is too Islamist for Washington and
London’s comfort—and so will be less concerned about Western demands
that this January’s Parliamentary elections go ahead."