Irish political leaders have expressed their shock and sadness at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the killings of her supporters.
President Mary McAleese said in a statement: "On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my deepest condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan and especially to those members of the Pakistan community here in Ireland."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the killing was "not just a tragic act of violence against an individual, but an attack on democracy".
Mr Ahern called on the Pakistani authorities " to do their utmost to ensure that Pakistan continues on its path back to democracy".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said it was "an attack on the democratic process in Pakistan".
Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman, Billy Timmins, said: "Ms Bhutto epitomised the push for a normal democracy in Pakistan and it is my hope that the people of Pakistan will not allow the democratic process to be undermined."
Michael D Higgins, Labour's spokesman on foreign affairs, said the events were a " tragic reversal of hope and prospects for the people of Pakistan".
The Supreme Muslim Council of Ireland said her death was a "terrible tragedy and an historic act of brutality".
"Whatever one's opinion of Ms. Bhutto's politics, she remained a patriot to her country, a strong advocate of women's rights in a patriarchal society, and fearless in the face of numerous threats on her life from extremists," the council said last night.