Sonia Gandhi expresses shock over Bhutto's assassination

NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed deep shock and grief over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto describing it as a painful reminder of the grave threat posed by the forces of violence and terror to the civilised world.

In a condolence message, she said it is a great tragedy for the people of Pakistan to lose a "popular and charismatic" leader at this critical juncture. Her life's unrealized potential has been brutally cut short.

"This reprehensible act deserves to be strongly condemned by all those who believe in freedom of expression and democratic values", she said wishing her family and the people of Pakistan all strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

A meeting of the Working Committee is being held on Friday after the Congress Foundation day function to condole the assassination, party sources said.