New Delhi, Dec 28: Describing Bhutto’s assassination as very unfortunate, Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi today said it has killed the very essence of democracy that the country was trying to return to.

"The Indian National Congress (INC) expresses its deep sense of shock and grief at the brutal assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Her assassination is yet another grave challenge posed by the forces of terror and violence,” said Gandhi on the sidelines of the Congress foundation day function here.

“This reprehensible and cowardly act which has brutally cut short a life full of promise and potential deserves to be strongly condemned by civilized society," Gandhi added.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) also adopted a resolution expressing "shock and grief" at it.

The CWC expressed its heartfelt condolences to Bhutto's family, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the people of Pakistan.

"To lose such a popular and charismatic leader, especially at this critical juncture, is a tragedy for the people of Pakistan,” stated the resolution.  

Paying tributes to the slain leader, Sonia Gandhi said the death is equally a loss for the entire region of South Asia.

"Bhutto did not hesitate to risk her life in pursuing this objective with courage, commitment and dedication," it said, adding her "supreme sacrifice to the cause of democracy in Pakistan will continue to be a source of inspiration to those who have firm faith in the spirit of democracy."

Bhutto had served her country with "courage and distinction knowing fully well the risk involved in the task of restoring a democratic process" in Pakistan. (ANI)