Sadness lingers in Pakistan over Bhutto
Updated: 2008-01-04 15:16
ISLAMABAD - A week after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistani people continue to mourn the former prime minister while holding confidence for a new day.
 Several Muslim women dine in a restaurant where Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's televised address to the nation is broadcasted, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Jan. 2, 2008. Musharraf called on his fellow people Wednesday to maintain peace and stability. [Xinhua] |
A big funeral prayer was held Thursday in the Jinnah Bagh Park in Rawalpindi, south of Islamabad, where Bhutto had addressed a campaign rally before she was killed a week ago in a suicide attack on her way leaving the gathering.
Some 3,000 people from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the party which Bhutto had headed, and Bhutto's supporters attended the prayer, much more than those in the previous days, said PPP members, noting prayers have been held everyday since Bhutto was killed.
At the rear gate of the park, a temporary memorial has been visited by people from all over the country and from abroad to pay homage to the former Pakistani cabinet chief.
A big portrait of her hang on the wall with flowers, candles and cards beneath.
"For our queen of hearts," says one card. "Bhutto, future of nation," and "May your soul rest in peace," read the other two.
A young boy stood silently in front of the Bhutto portrait, holding a portrait of his father, who was killed along with Bhutto and dozens others. The boy's mother and sister were also praying near the memorial, with tears in their eyes.
"Everyday people come here to pay tribute to Benazir Bhutto," said a police officer patrolling near the memorial.
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