UN commission to identify BB killers

UNITED NATIONS - An independent commission will be set up by the United Nations to identify the killers of the former prime minister Benazir Bhutto “with a view to bring them to justice”, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said.

The office of the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said he had agreed to Pakistan’s request for an independent inquiry. But modalities and details are yet to be worked out for which the United Nations would hold consultations with Pakistan as also with member States, Qureshi told a press conference after a 45-minute meeting with the UN chief on Thursday evening.

“Responding positively to the issue, the Secretary General indicated that further consultation with Pakistan and others within the organisation would be required to examine the modalities and structure of a commission to determine the circumstances of, and responsibilities for, the assassination of former PM Benazir Bhutto,” the foreign minister added.

He said a “broad understanding” had been reached on the nature of the proposed commission, funding modalities, the unhindered access to to all sources of relevant information and elements to safeguard the objectivity, impartiality and the independence of commission.

Qureshi said the UN chief would appoint “well-respected, eminent people” to the independent commission in consultations with Pakistan. “We have reached an understanding, and there is a concrete decision on that,” he said. “The objectives are for the commission to identify the culprits, perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the assassination,” he added.

Responding to questions about the timeframe for the commission to complete its work, the foreign minister said the intention was for it to be completed “in the shortest possible time” and not become “a lingering thing, going on for years”.

Qureshi said Pakistan would help as much as possible. “We have said that we will give unhindered access to sources of relevant information,” he added.