Benazir's day began in triumph, ended in assassination

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Islamabad: For Benazir Bhutto, Thursday began in triumph as she and Afghan President Hamid Karzai spoke of a new beginning between their nations. Hours later, it was all over with the gory assassination of the former Pakistani prime minister.

"We will improve trade... and eliminate extremism and terrorism. It's time for a new beginning between our nations," an upbeat Bhutto said after meeting Karzai, laying down the roadmap if her Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged victorious in the January 8 general elections.

From the meeting, Bhutto headed for a PPP rally at a park where, ironically, Pakistan's first prime minister Liaqat Ali was assassinated in 1951 and which is now named after him.

After a rapturous welcome from the huge crowd, Bhutto spoke on her pet theme of her vision for a new Pakistan. As the crowd repeatedly cheered, Bhutto, wearing a purple kurta and jacket, wound up her address, waved to the multitude and moved down the steps of the dais.

Suddenly, there was an explosion and Bhutto's bodyguards immediately bundled her into a SUV and attempted to move out of the area.

Just then, two men rode by the car on motorcycles. One of them blew himself up and even as Bhutto came out to see what had happened a sniper pumped five bullets into her neck and chest.

As the crowds ran helter-skelter, Bhutto was immediately rushed to the Rawalpindi General Hospital where she was declared dead at 6.16 pm. Pakistan time (6.46 pm Indian time).