Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed deep shock over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, saying that the incident is a 'reminder' of the common dangers faced in the sub-continent.

"The manner of her going is a reminder of the common dangers that our region faces from cowardly acts of terrorism and of the need to eradicate this dangerous threat," he said in a statement from Goa.

Terming that the people of Pakistan suffered a 'grievous blow,' Dr Singh said he was deeply shocked and horrified to hear of the heinous assassination of Benazir Bhutto."

"Bhutto was no ordinary political leader, but one who left a deep imprint on her time and age," PM's media adviser Sanjaya Baru quoted Dr Singh as saying.

Dr Singh said Bhutto's contributions to a previous moment of hope in India-Pakistan relations and her intent to break the relations out of the sterile patterns of the past were 'exemplary.'

On her death, the sub-continent has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country, the prime minister said.

"My heartfelt condolences go to her family and the people of Pakistan who have suffered a grievous blow," he added.