Bhutto’s will was read out to party leaders in private hours after her funeral but it had not been made public. A Bhutto party spokesman said the will was being released to end any doubts about Bhutto’s wishes for the leadership of the party.  “I fear for the future of Pakistan. Please continue the fight against extremism, dictatorship, poverty and ignorance,” she said in the will.

The one-page, hand-written document was dated October 16, two days before she returned to Pakistan from eight years of self-exile, according to copies shown on Pakistani television. Bhutto had said she feared for her safety upon her return, and had spoken of the danger she faced from Islamist militants and other elements opposed to her. In her will, Bhutto said Zardari should lead the party. “I would like my husband Asif Ali Zardari to lead you in this interim period until you and he decide what is best,” she wrote.

“I say this because he is a man of courage and honour. He spent 11.5 years in prison without bending despite torture. He has the political stature to keep our party united.”  Zardari, who was jailed on corruption charges but denied any wrongdoing, is regarded as a devisive figure. But with Bilawal still too young to run for parliament and yet to complete his university studies in Britain, it is Zardari who is the de facto leader of the party as it prepares for a February 18 general election.

A PPP spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, confirmed the document shown on television was her will. “Everybody now can see it. It’s her own writing and any doubt or misgivings there are about leadership of the party will be set aside,” Babar said.

The PPP is likely to gain a considerable sympathy vote in the elections because of Bhutto’s murder.