Islamabad, Jan 3: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Muhammad Sadiq has condemned Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, and termed it "a great national tragedy" and said the nation is still in a state of shock and mourning.

He said Bhutto’s assassination was an extraordinary act and extraordinary statements were expected on it.

Sadiq said the leaders of friendly countries had also condemned the terrorist act and expressed condolence, and added that some countries such as the US, UK and France had extended their help for a probe into the assassination.

"We owe this (fair investigation) to the people and the Bhutto family," the Daily Times quoted Sadiq, as saying.

Commenting on demand made for a UN probe into Bhutto’s assassination, Sadiq said that the UN had been involved in Rafik Hariri’s murder because of some of its resolutions on Lebanon.

He said a UN Inquiry Commission had produced nine reports since the murder in February 2005 but had still not managed to resolve the matter.

Sadiq said Pakistan’s role in eliminating terrorism was "for everybody to see".

On the US legislatures pressing President George Bush to link aid to Pakistan with an independent international probe, Sadiq said there should be no doubt about an independent investigation.

"Threats related to aid and conditions will not help and will not serve any political purpose," he added. (ANI)