U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday condemned the assassination of the governor of Pakistan's largest province of Punjab.

Clinton said, "We strongly condemn the assassination today in Pakistan of Punjab Provincial Governor Salman Taseer. 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. Our deepest sympathies are with Governor Taseer's wife and children."

She said, "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."

Pakistan's Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was assassinated by his bodyguard Tuesday afternoon at a market in the downtown area of the country's capital Islamabad, reported local media.