Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement today on the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto:
The tragic assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is a devastating blow to the restoration of democracy in her country. Ms. Bhutto had courageously returned to Pakistan two months earlier to prepare her party and supporters for parliamentary elections, but her mission was more than that. She symbolized the yearnings of the Pakistani people for the rule of law, respect for the Constitution, an independent judiciary, a free and open press, civilian control of the military, and transparency and fairness in the election process. She was also a strong opponent of extremism and terrorism, and advocated tolerance and pluralism. She believed that a strong civil society and a democratic government are the best antidotes to the hate-filled ideas and policies of the extremists and terrorists.
The brave people of Pakistan are going through a very difficult period. We must stand by and support them as they try to overcome such senseless killings and work toward achieving democracy for their country. In this way, we honor the ideals espoused by Benazir Bhutto.