The UN probe into the killing of former premier Benazir Bhutto has hit a roadblock with the Pakistan government denying access to top military officials, including powerful Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
The UN inquiry commission headed by Ambassador Heraldo Munoz had submitted a written request some time ago for access to senior military officials, including Mr. Kayani, former ISI chief Lt. Gen. Nadeem Taj and ex-Military Intelligence head Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ejaz Mian.
After thorough consultations within the government, the UN panel was informed in writing that access to military officials could not be granted, Dawn News channel reported quoting an unnamed top government official.
There was no official word on the development.
The UN panel had sought access to the serving Pakistani military officials shortly after it interviewed former President Pervez Musharraf in New York in November last year.
Acting on a request from the Pakistan People’s Party-led government, the UN appointed a three-member inquiry commission to determine the facts and circumstances of Bhutto’s assassination on December 27, 2007.
The panel is not expected to name suspected culprits and any criminal investigation will be up to Pakistani authorities.
