Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto : 1953 – 2007
Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been killed in a presumed suicide attack, a spokesman for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) says. Ms Bhutto had just addressed a rally of PPP supporters in the town of Rawalpindi when the rally was hit by a blast. At least 15 other people are reported killed in the attack. Ms Bhutto has twice been the country's prime minister and was campaigning ahead of elections due in January. Benazir Bhutto was once feted at home and abroad as a symbol of modernity and democracy, but she has since fought a long battle against corruption allegations. She has twice been prime minister of Pakistan, from 1988 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996. On both occasions she was dismissed from office by the president for alleged corruption. At the height of her popularity - shortly after her first election - she was one of the most high-profile women leaders in the world. Young and glamorous, she successfully portrayed herself as a contrast to the overwhelmingly male-dominated political establishment. But after her second fall from power, her name came to be seen by some as synonymous with corruption and bad governance. Ms Bhutto has steadfastly denied all the corruption charges against her, which she says are politically motivated. She still faces corruption charges in at least five cases dating back over the past 10 years, all without a conviction.