Gordon Brown said that Benazir Bhutto was killed by “cowards afraid of democracy” as British politicians, many of whom knew her as a personal friend, joined the international wave of condemnation of her death.

The Prime Minister said that she had shown “immense personal courage” and spoke of “a sad day for democracy . . . a tragic hour for Pakistan”.

As ministers weighed the impact of her death on efforts to root out al-Qaeda, Mr Brown said: “My condolences go to the whole of the Bhutto family, including her children, and to all who have lost their lives today.

“Benazir Bhutto was a woman of immense personal courage and bravery. Knowing as she did the threats to her life, and the previous attempt at assassination, she risked everything in her attempt to win democracy in Pakistan. And she has been assassinated by cowards afraid of democracy. Benazir Bhutto may have been killed by terrorists but the terrorists must not be allowed to kill democracy in Pakistan, and this atrocity strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win there, here or anywhere in the world, and we will work with all in the Pakistani community in Britain, and elsewhere in the world, so that we can have a peaceful and safe and democratic Pakistan.”

Q&A: the murder of Benazir Bhutto

Times South Asia Correspondent asks who had most to gain from killing the Pakistan People's Party leader

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Background

• Pakistan in chaos as Benazir Bhutto assassinated

• Who killed Benazir Bhutto? Main suspects

• Obituary: Benazir Bhutto, 1953-2007

• Can democracy survive Bhutto killing?

Related Links

• British Pakistani community split as fears surface

• Can democracy survive Bhutto killing?

• A life in politics

Mr Brown was talking to European and world leaders last night about events in Pakistan. Among those who paid personal tributes was Jack Straw, the former Foreign Secretary, who represents one of Britain’s largest Pakistani communities, in Blackburn.

He said: “The sense of grief at her senseless killing will, I know, be shared not just by Pakistani communities across the world but by everyone, because this terrorism is an attack on us all, regardless of race, religion or party. We will ensure that it is defeated.

“I knew Benazir well, both as a great leader and as a personal friend. I saw her just a few days before she left for Pakistan, where she discussed with me her concern about her personal security as well as the forthcoming elections in Pakistan. Benazir comes from an extraordinary political dynasty in Pakistan, a dynasty which has been all too acquainted with tragedy. She will be sorely missed.” David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, called for restraint in Pakistan. “Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country. She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her. This is a dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan. This is a time for restraint but also unity. All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn all violence perpetrated against innocent people. In targeting Benazir Bhutto, extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed.

“The large Pakistani community in the United Kingdom will be gravely concerned about these latest developments. Let me reassure them that the UK Government will continue to work with all those who want to build a peaceful and democratic Pakistan.”

David Cameron, the Tory leader, said: “This is an appalling act of terrorism. Today Pakistan has lost one of its bravest daughters. Those responsible have not only murdered a courageous leader but have put at risk hopes for the country’s return to democracy.”

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: “This is a dark day for everyone who believed in a stable and democratic future for Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto was a courageous politician known throughout the world, not just Pakistan, for her forthright and sometimes controversial views.

“Her tragic death is a hammer blow against the dream of pluralism and tolerance in modern-day Pakistan. In the light of her brutal assassination, the need for the full restoration of democracy in Pakistan is now paramount.”

Rob Wilson, Conservative MP and vice-chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Group for Pakistan, urged calm. “We are all naturally shocked by what has happened and our thoughts are with Benazir Bhutto’s family, friends and supporters. Ms Bhutto undoubtedly loved her country and wanted to do all she could to help it progress. I think there is little doubt that her Pakistan People’s Party would have done extremely well in the forthcoming elections.

“It is important that when such a shocking event takes place, we don’t rush quickly to premature judgments – we must wait for the facts to become clear. Pakistan is a complicated country and is on the frontline of the fight against terrorism, so quick decisions now can have very long-term consequences.”

Khalid Mahmood, the Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, called for Ms Bhutto’s supporters to stay calm. He said: “I am absolutely horrified and saddened by what has happened.

“It is a very, very tragic loss. This is somebody who has always believed in the democratic cause. She lost her father and two brothers to that cause and now she has paid the ultimate price with her own life. She didn’t need to be in public life. She did it because of her belief in democracy. She continued to fight for what she believed, even when she was exiled.

“It is utterly senseless and terrible that people have resorted to this to stop her. The country now needs to take stock of what has happened.”

A Welsh Assembly member who travelled with Ms Bhutto on her return to Pakistan in October said that he had had misgivings about her security arrangements when they met.

Mohammad Asghar, who represents Plaid Cymru, planned to spend a week there in October before a bomb attack directed at Ms Bhutto curtailed his trip. The South Wales East assembly member said that he told her security team that she was not being protected enough.

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