BB assassination probe commission asks Pak to arrange meeting with Musharraf, ISI officials

Islamabad, Nov.6 (ANI): The UN commission probing the former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination case has asked the government to arrange a meeting with the former President General Musharraf and several other top military officials.

In a letter to the Pakistan government, chief of the enquiry commission, Heraldo Munoz has sought access to Musharraf, and top military and ISI officials for interrogation.

"They have shown a desire to meet the top leadership of the army and the ISI and, if there is an inability, the commission would have to reflect it in the final report," The Dawn quoted the letter, as saying.

It may be noted that under the terms and conditions of the UN commission, Islamabad has to provide access to any official or a particular individual, who the commission considers could throw light on the December 2007 assassination.

"In the conduct of its inquiry the commission shall enjoy the full cooperation of the government of Pakistan. The government shall comply with the requests of the commission for assistance in collecting the required information and testimony, and shall provide it with the necessary facilities to enable it to discharge its mandate," the commission's mandate states.

The commission had earlier said that it is finding it difficult to quiz Musharraf, who is currently on a lecture tour of the US.

According to a private television channel, the enquiry committee, despite several attempts, has failed to set-up a meeting with Musharraf.

The letter also mentioned that the commission had postponed its scheduled visit to Pakistan due to security concerns.

"The commission has decided to postpone its third and last visit to Pakistan for a couple of weeks. The postponement was on the advice of the UN department of safety and security. Now the government of Pakistan is informed that due to uncertain and difficult security situation the commission should visit after this month," the letter stated. (ANI)