Pakistan to request UN to probe into Bhutto's assassination

Islamabad, May 23 (UNI) Pakistan has decided to request the UN to form an International Commission to probe into the assassination of Pakistan ex premier Benazir Bhutto.

A letter has been prepared in consultation with the Ministries of Law, Interior and Foreign Affairs, requesting the UN Secretary General to probe the BB case, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Law Minister Farooq H Naek said in a joint news conference here yesterday.

Pakistan's permanent envoy to the UN has been directed to approach the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and request for an appointment, they told the Geo TV.

On getting appointment, the Foreign Minister and Law Minister will go to New York and request UN Secretary General for formation of Commission, they added.

The Ministers will also hold meetings with the representatives of permanent members of the UN Security Council and friendly countries, they said, adding that this was a great tragedy with international repercussions and they wanted an independent investigation into it.

The National Assembly and all the Provincial Assemblies have adopted unanimous resolutions calling for UN investigation into the assassination of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, they informed.

To a question, the Ministers ruled out the impression that the UN investigation may harm Pakistan's sovereignty.

UNI XC RJ DB1828