INSTANT VIEW: Pakistan's Bhutto killed in attack: party

LONDON (Reuters) - Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack after a rally in the city of Rawalpindi on Thursday, an official of her party said.

Following is reaction from analysts and officials:

SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER CARL BILDT AT NEWS CONFERENCE

Bildt said he had received the news of Bhutto's death with "disgust, dismay and strong concern".

He described her as "charismatic, colorful and controversial" and said he feels "A very strong concern for what it means for Pakistan's future".

"I would really like to think that there is a chance that they will go through with plans for elections in January but we are just an hour from this bestial killing so it may be best to wait before giving a more detailed assessment."

RONNIE MAMOEPA, SOUTH AFRICAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

"Clearly South Africa is saddened by the news of the murder of Benazir Bhutto and condemns unequivocally this outrageous act of violence."

"No amount of violence can be a justification towards an attainment of any political objective. We call on the Pakistani people do everything in their power, to leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act."

AUDREY CHILDE-FREEMAN, EUROPEAN ECONOMIST, CIBC, LONDON

"Pakistan is a crucial country in the region and prospects for political uncertainty are leading to some nervousness (which is reflected in) gold, bond and oil prices rising and the dollar dipping."

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT

"(Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner) firmly condemns this odious act."

"He presents his condolences to her family, the victims of the attack and the Pakistani people."

"He pays homage to the memory of Ms Bhutto, an eminent figure in Pakistani political life.

"He reaffirms our country's commitment to Pakistan's stability and its democracy, which must be at the centre of attention of the entire international community."