Quran recitals held for Bhutto at Szabist university campus in Dubai

Dubai: Students and faculty held a Quran khwani (recital) yesterday in memory of Benazir Bhutto, who was the chancellor and president of Szabist university, Dubai campus.

A Quran recital was held from 1-3pm and a prayer led by an imam was held afterwards at Szabist (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology) in the Knowledge Village. Classes were cancelled on Thursday evening and will resume on January 2.

"We are all shocked and saddened at the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

"We strongly condemn this cowardly and barbaric act of terrorism by forces of evil against the forces of democracy and moderation in Pakistan," Dr Javaid Laghari, Vice President, Szabist, said.

Students interviewed by Gulf News said they were surprised and shocked to learn that Bhutto's son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was chosen on Sunday as chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party.

"He's not of an age to lead the party and I don't think he is aware of politics.

"He's too young [to handle] this type of responsibility," said Lubna Iqbal, on Bilawal's appointment as the party leader.