Riots triggered by death of Bhutto kill near 40 in Pakistan

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-30-2007 10:20

Rioting triggered by the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, has killed at least 38 people in the past three days.

Violence prevailed in Pakistan (Photo: Xinhua)

Violence prevailed in Pakistan, as angry protesters took to the streets, burning vehicles, train stations and banks.

Most of the shops and gas stations remained closed for fear of riots in some sensitive cities in the country.

The Interior Ministry said the riots had caused tens of millions of US dollars in damage across the country.

Earlier, the Ministry revealed that Bhutto was killed when the force of the explosion caused by the suicide bombing crashed her head against a lever on the sun-roof of her vehicle. Recap >>

It blamed Al-Qaida operative Baitullah Mehsud for the assassination.But Mehsud responded on Saturday that he was not involved.

An investigation has been launched, and Pakistani officials say they do not need the help of the international community.

The spokesman of the Interior Ministry Javed Iqbal Cheema says, "This is not an ordinary criminal matter in which you require the assistance of the international community. I think we are capable of handling it."

Riot has killed at least 38 in Pakistan after assassination of Bhutto

Many Pakistanis are calling for the protests and the ransacking of public property to end.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says while the entire nation is in mourning over the tragic death of Bhutto and anti-social elements should not be allowed to harm people and destroy property in the guise of protest.

Editor:Du Xiaodan