Benazir Bhutto killed in attack

Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been killed in a presumed suicide attack in Rawanpindi on wednesday evning.

News of her death was confirmed by a military spokesman and members of her Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Ms Bhutto had just addressed an election rally in Rawalpindi when gunfire and an explosion occurred. At least 15 other people are reported killed in the attack and several more were injured. Ms Bhutto had twice been the country's prime minister. She had been campaigning ahead of elections due in January. Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister and a political rival, told the BBC her death was a tragedy for "the entire nation".

"I can't tell you what the feelings of the people of Pakistan are today," he told BBC News 24 after returning from the hospital where she was brought. The BBC's Barbara Plett says the killing is likely to provoke an agonised response from her followers, especially from her loyal following in Sindh Province.