Gulf Daily News : Bhutto prays at Jinnah tomb

Bhutto prays at Jinnah tomb

October 23, 2007

KARACHI: Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto yesterday visited the mausoleum of Pakistan's founder, making her second public outing in as many days after a bloody suicide attack.

Wearing a white headscarf and black tunic, Bhutto was swamped by security men and media as she arrived at Karachi's Jinnah Mausoleum - the resting place of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who led the country to independence in 1947.

"When Pakistan was formed, people sacrificed their lives, as they did in the attempt on my life last week," she said at the imposing marble dome in the city centre. The mausoleum, where she also offered prayers, had been the intended finishing point of her homecoming procession last week before it was cut short by the blasts.

"I have come to pay homage to the father of the nation. We believe in the power of the people," she added.

The two-time former premier has vowed to continue campaigning for general elections in January despite the threat to her safety.