The assasination, death, murder, shahadat (or whatever it may be termed) of Benazir Bhutto was undoubtedly the most tragic and heinous crime act the people of this country has witnessed in decades. The news spread like a wildfire yesterday and the reaction of the party workers are all over the TV screens. The impact of her death is not only felt locally but also worldwide, where the global stock markets are rattled by the murder. No wonder, she was a big name.

CNN reported that just a day before her death, she was named as the most influential women in 2007 by some sort of survey conducted by MSN. This news was carried out in most newspapers as well (link).

The nation is in mourning. But yet again, as it so happens here, to express their anger people have resorted to violence and riots. Tyre burning and aerial firing were the usual rituals, but lately banks and fuel stations have been a prime target. I don’t understand the reason of this. To me, it looks like the work of an organized mob. AAJ TV reported about 200 banks being set on fire across the country within 24 hours of the killing. A lot of people I know were stranded last night and had to take shelter at nearby places leaving behind their vehicles (which were at risk of being burned). Now, since the Army has been immediately called in most parts of Sindh, I hope they will be able to take control of the deteoriating situation of law and order.

The political implications of the assasination of Ms. Bhutto are yet to be seen but rest assured, they won’t be pretty. Rivalries, differences and corruption charges set aside, she will always be remembered as one of the most influential and powerful leader in the history of Pakistan and the Muslim world.