'This Regime is Unpopular ... Its Credibility is Rock Bottom'

Pakistan's leading newspapers are concerned by the differing versions of how Benazir Bhutto died and sharply criticize the government for providing her with apparently poor security protection. In their editorials, they call for an international investigation, even though the Pakistani government has already ruled that out, and at least one leading paper suggests a national unity government might be better than immediate elections.

The Daily Times

"The government's version of what happened on the fateful moment of Ms Bhutto's assassination - that she was fatally wounded by a lever in the sunroof when she ducked back into the car following the firing of a few bullets at her by the assassin - has not cut ice with the public for two main reasons: lack of credibility and lack of consistency.

"Most people are cynical of government anyway. But this regime is unpopular for a host of reasons and its credibility is rock bottom ... The established facts are that security was weak, which enabled the gunmen and suicide bomber to come so close to Ms Bhutto and actually open fire at her from a short range, before detonating himself ... And the responsibility for lack of adequate security must lie with the government, especially since she had time and again implored the government to improve it."

The News

"So grave is the nature of the assassination, and so profound its potential impact on the future of Pakistan, that the truth must be uncovered. The fact that almost all the past political assassinations and unusual deaths in Pakistan's history - including those of Liaquat Ali Khan, Hayat Ahmed Sherpao, General Zia ul-Haq, Murtaza Bhutto and Omar Asghar Khan - remain shrouded in mystery provides little assurance that questions surrounding this killing will be satisfactorily answered.

"Only an inquiry by a credible, neutral panel of international experts would hold any weight with people - and it is unfortunate the government has dismissed the possibility of permitting such an investigation, despite the fact that Benazir's death is no small matter."

Dawn

"Should the nation go to the polls on Jan 8? It may be premature to ask this question so soon after a grave national tragedy. But it is agitating many minds ... The government's credibility is low and thus the cause of many misgivings. The conflicting versions about the precise cause of Benazir Bhutto's death are an example. Against this backdrop, it is not difficult to see the grave challenges facing Pakistan. No matter how well-meaning, Mr [Mohammedmian] Soomro [the caretaker prime minister] lacks the political stature to lead a meaningful initiative.

"If President Musharraf is the enlightened moderate he says he is, he needs to reach out to all political forces personally and offer a concrete reassurance. Militancy is threatening the existence of the country and only a national consensus provides some hope for the future. If this consensus calls for a government of national unity, a neutral entity, to guarantee free, fair and impartial elections, so be it. This is not the time for cemented positions."