US House lauds Pakistan decision on Scotland Yard help in BB probe

A US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday introduced by a top Democratic congressman has commended the Pakistani government’s decision to get Scotland Yard’s help in probing last month’s martyrdom of former opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

The resolution, tabled by Congressman Gary Ackerman, who chairs the House subcommittee on Foreign Affairs for South Asia, and co-sponsored by 16 other members from both Democratic and Republican parties, is likely to be approved by the House on Wednesday.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers expressed support for Pakistan’s pursuit of those responsible for the martyrdom of Pakistan’s former prime minister and condemning the martyrdom in strongest terms offer condolences to the Benazir’s family and other families affected by the Dec. 27, 2007 tragedy.

It “commends the government of Pakistan for accepting” Scotland Yard expertise in the investigation and “welcomes the provision of assistance by the United Kingdom.”

The legislators also voice support for “efforts by Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice those who have perpetrated this cruel and cowardly attack.” The bipartisan measure “urges the people and Government of Pakistan to be relentless in its pursuit of a democratically-elected government, including the holding of free and fair elections.”

The resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism.