Washington, Jan 5: US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian affairs Richard Boucher has said that the Pakistan Government has not benefited from the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

"It all points to the extremists. I would say that nobody benefits from this murder, that it’s certainly a blow to the ordinary citizens of Pakistan," said Boucher when asked to comment on speculations that who benefited the most from Benazir’s assassination.

Boucher refused to get involved in the controversy, and recalled that al Qaeda had been after moderate Pakistani leaders.

Benazir’s assassination had produced a lot of questions about Pakistan’s stability and future and "it certainly has not put the government in a good position," Boucher said in an interview to the Dawn.

He explained how those working with the government were confident that working with it was part of helping Pakistan stand up and continue to make a successful democratic transition.

Boucher described Asif Ali Zardari’s demand for a UN-led probe of the murder as one of a variety of ideas put forth by various people, but noted that Pakistan’s decision to invite Scotland Yard was "very positive" and will be "very useful".

The US had already offered to assist the probe and "I am sure they will ask if they need help," he added.

Asked if the government was not involved, why it washed away all the evidence, Boucher said: "I have no idea but based on what I’ve heard from other incidents that seems to be standard practice, unfortunately."

Boucher noted that Pakistan was now making a successful transition to democracy, adding that all Pakistani leaders, including President Pervez Musharraf, and political parties should focus on how to make it successful. (ANI)