WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday condemned the assassination of the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, calling his death “a great loss.”

Salman Taseer was shot dead at an Islamabad market by a bodyguard who opposed his criticism of blasphemy laws, officials said.

“We strongly condemn the assassination today in Pakistan of Punjab Provincial Governor Salman Taseer,” Clinton said in a statement.

“I had the opportunity to meet Governor Taseer in Pakistan and I admired his work to promote tolerance and the education of Pakistan's future generations. His death is a great loss,” the chief US diplomat said.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Governor Taseer's wife and children,” she added.

“The United States remains committed to helping the government and people of Pakistan as they persevere in their campaign to bring peace and stability to their country.”