Although the event took place halfway around the world, southwestern Connecticut is feeling the effects of Benazir Bhutto?s death.

Bhutto, who served twice as the Pakistani prime minister, was killed moments after she gave a speech during a political rally in Pakistan. Bhutto, 54, recently returned to her troubled country after eight years of living in exile. She returned to run as an opposition leader in next month?s election against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

News of her death shocked several Pakistanis living in southwestern Connecticut.

?It makes me feel uncomfortable about where Pakistan stands as a nation right now, and how safe it really is,? Easton resident Mohsin Sheika said.

In September of 2002, Bhutto spoke at Fairfield University?s Open Visions Forum. Professor Phillip Eliasoph, who helped coordinate Bhutto?s visit, remembers her as being very genuine as she spread her message of hope and peace.