Special report: Benazir Bhutto assassinated

Profile: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto waves to her supporters at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Dec. 27, 2007. Bhutto died Thursday as Party security adviser says she was shot in the neck and chest as she got into her vehicle, then gunman blew himself up. At least 20 others were also killed in a blast that took place as Bhutto left the rally. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government Friday sent a message of condolences to Pakistan over the death of the country's opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

    In the message, the Chinese government said it was shocked to learn of the assassination of Bhutto.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in a suicide attack Thursday near the capital Islamabad Thursday, her party and interior ministry said. The suicide attacker first opened fire at her as she got into her car and then blew himself near the car after Bhutto finished addressing an election rally in a park in Rawalpindi, some 30 kms south from Islamabad. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "Ms. Benazir Bhutto, a seasoned Pakistani statesman and an old friend of the Chinese people, has made significant contributions to the promotion of China-Pakistan friendly relations during her lifetime," said the message.

    China extended profound condolences over Bhutto's death and sincere sympathies to her family, it said.

    Bhutto, 54, was killed Thursday evening in a suicide bombing attack during her election rally at the Liaquat Bagh park in Rawalpindi, some 30km south of the Pakistani capital Islamabad. At least 20 others were killed in the attack.