Message on the Assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto

I was extremely saddened to learn of the brutal assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of country’s “People’s Party”.

Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life in defending democracy and secularism while standing firmly against religious extremism in her country. Her commitment to democratic principles and values as well as her bravery are both unforgettable and worthy of immense praise.

It is my wish to offer my heartfelt condolences for this enormous loss to all defenders of democracy and secularism in the Islamic world, the honorable people of Pakistan and specially to Mrs. Bhutto’s mother and husband, Begum Nosrat Bhutto and Mr. Asif Ali Zardary.

Reza Pahlavi

Thursday, December 27th, 2007