KARACHI, Pakistan - Chaos has broken out in major cities in Pakistan, including the garrison city of Rawalpindi, after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, chairperson of Pakistan People's Party.
The buildings are being torched and there are people out on the streets yelling anti-government slogans, attacking vehicles on the road. In Karachi, riots have broken out on the streets and people are leaving their cars parked on the road and walking home to avoid being attacked.
In residential areas in Karachi, such as the Defence Housing Authority, people are running around with sticks and stones, attacking cars passing by. Gas stations are being torched and there is mayhem among the groups who don't know whom to blame and what implications lie ahead for the country.
There is a lot of apprehension about what lies next and the people who are out on the streets are being motivated by sadness and anger.
Bhutto, a key player in Pakistan's upcoming election, was a hero to many. Her death has caused mixed emotions as people vent their anger and confusion out on the streets. There is also a fear that this was a ploy to delay Pakistan's democratic process.
Weddings were left abandoned and restaurant meals left untouched as people raced home and all public places closed down.
A big explosion occurred at 9 p.m., local time, opposite Park Towers, one of the largest malls in Karachi. People across the mall were stoning cars and shouting PPP slogans as terrified shoppers rush to escape.
Anti-Pervez Musharraf slogans are being yelled out in the cities. And in Larkana, Sindh, people are walking around with guns on the street. At least 10 banks have been burnt in Larkana, according to local news alerts. Buses are also being torched to block major bridges leading to Karachi's industrial areas.
Election posters and banners are being torched and an address was made to the nation by President Pervez Musharraf who stated that the flag will be raised at half-mast for three days in Pakistan.
Gun shots can be heard in Karachi's residential areas and not a person can be seen on the streets of the quieter areas. Houses are being locked and bolted to avoid attacks and no one is stepping out of their homes. With phone lines jammed and television stations randomly going off-air, people are making sure they have supplies in case electricity is turned off as well.
Even those who were not particularly in favour of her policies are shocked and saddened by her violent and sudden death and the mixed emotions can be seen on the streets where people are turning to violence as their confusion and anger prevails.
Shyema Sajjad, a journalist in Karachi, attended Ryerson University's journalism school in Toronto last year.
