The Hindu News Update Service

Islamabad (PTI): Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday condemned the killing of former premier Benazir Bhutto in a terrorist attack and vowed to combat extremists and terrorists till they were eliminated.

Describing the assassination of the Pakistan Peoples Party chairperson "a great tragedy", Musharraf announced three days of national mourning and appealed to the people to remain peaceful and calm.

In an address to the nation on state-run PTV, Musharraf said: "Today Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack by a cruel, barbaric terrorist at Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi.

Benazir Bhutto: 1953-2007

"This is a great tragedy which I cannot describe in words. I am deeply saddened and I condemn it very strongly."

This attack is the handiwork of the terrorists, he said, adding, "we are fighting. I have always said that Pakistan and its people face the biggest threat from these terrorists. On this sad occasion, I would ask the people to cooperate with me in the fight against terrorism. We will not rest till the terrorists are eliminated and their roots are destroyed".

Only this will secure the country's interests and allow the nation to progress. Terrorism is the biggest hurdle to the country's development.

Musharraf appealed to the countrymen to maintain peace.

"I also appeal to the people to remain peaceful and show patience."

He said the flag will be flown at half mast during the three days of national mourning.

Bhutto succumbed after being shot by a suicide attacker who later blew himself up near the venue of an election rally she had addressed in Rawalpindi, killing about 30 people and injuring dozens more.

Musharraf also conveyed his grief to Bhutto's family, especially her children Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Asifa.

"I also condole the deaths of all the other innocent people who died in the attack and send my sympathies to their families. I pray to Allah for their salvation and peace," he said.

The Presidency was in contact with members of Bhutto's family, including her husband Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP leadership to facilitate and assist in the funeral arrangements, official sources said.

Bhutto's body was taken from the Rawalpindi General Hospital to the Chaklala military airbase, from where it would be flown to her native village near Larkana in Sindh province. PPP leaders said Bhutto would be buried near her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's grave in a graveyard at Garhi Khuda Bux.

Meanwhile, the government of the politically crucial Punjab province sought the deployment of the army and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers in all major cities to ensure law and order. District police officers were directed to call in army troops and the Rangers to help maintain peace.