UNSC to decide on Benazir murder probe

The UN Security Council will take a decision on Pakistan’s request to hold an independent inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, an official of the world body said.

The letter sent to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon by Pakistan is still being studied for its legal and other implications by the Secretariat, a UN spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said she could not give timeframe for sending it to the Security Council.

“But ultimately, it would be for the 15-member Council to decide,” she said.

Pakistan had requested the UN to probe the assassination of Bhutto, observing that a probe by a global body is necessary as international elements were involved in Bhutto’s December 27 assassination.

The ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had pledged before the February general election that if it came to power, it would ask the UN to investigate the assassination of its late chairperson Bhutto.