Pak govt ready to bear Rs 700 crore for UN probe in Benazir murder

United Nations, July 23 : If sources at the United Nations are to be believed, Pakistan government has assured the international body that it will provide all the money required for an investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The investigation could cost Pakistan more than 100 million US dollars (approx Rs 700 crore Pakistani rupees) and might take up to 14 months to complete.

The assurance (to the UN) was conveyed by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during a meeting with the UN officials on July 10, the Dawn quoted the sources as saying.

A probe commission would report to both the government of Pakistan and the UN Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has not asked for UN Security Council's involvement in the investigation. "There is no need to refer the request to the Security Council," the Dawn quoted Qureshi as telling reporters here after his meting with UN officials.

An investigation sought by the UN Security Council would have been funded by the world body. The investigation of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Harriri murder has so far cost 350 million dollars.

Besides, an investigation ordered by the UN Security Council would have been more intense and intrusive.

ANI