New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today described Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto as a ''brave and outstanding woman leader of the sub-continent,'' and said her assassination should strengthen the resolve to fight terrorism.

Expressing shock and horror at the killing, the External Affairs Minister said Ms. Bhutto's contributions to democracy, improvement of India-Pakistan relations and the restoration of normalcy within Pakistan would be an inspiration.

''I heard with shock and horror of the death of Mrs Benazir Bhutto. Mrs Bhutto was a brave and outstanding woman leader of the sub-continent. That she should fall to a barbarous terrorist attack is particularly tragic, and should strengthen our resolve to fight this scourge,'' he said.

''Mrs Bhutto's contributions to democracy, to the improvement of India-Pakistan relations, and to the restoration of normalcy within Pakistan will be an inspiration,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

''My heart-felt condolences go to her immediate family, members of her party and the people of Pakistan. Our hopes and prayers are with them in this hour of loss,'' he added.

UNI