Lahore, Jan 2: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and human rights organisations have initiated efforts to remove legal complications hampering the conduct of a United Nations-level probe into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The probe demanded by Bhutto’s PPP and urged by several human rights activists and organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), is being hampered by the Pakistan Government’s formal endorsement.

For this purpose, a committee has been formed by the PPP, consisting of Sardar Latif Ahmed Khosa, Farooq H Naek and Begum Abida Hussain. HRCP office-bearers Asma Jehangir and Hina Jillani are also separately attempting to ensure the formation of the commission.

"Yes, there are legal complications and the request for the commission needs the government’s endorsement, for which we are trying to find a solution," Hina Jillani said.

"There is also a need for endorsement and full support of at least one UN Security Council member and general support of other members so that the resolution is not vetoed," she added.

Jilani said the UN Secretary General could also be directly requested to help in the formation of such a commission.

She said the difficulties faced by the Rafik Al-Hariri Commission would be analysed in advance to ensure the success of the probe into Benazir’s assassination.

The Daily Times quoted Latif Khosa as saying that the PPP had started writing to the embassies for support in getting the endorsement for a UN-level probe.

He said the committee should prepare a draft of the case within a day, adding that it would be sent to PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for final approval.

Khosa said that the government had yet to complete the probe into the October 18 bombing on Benazir’s reception rally in Karachi, adding that the government had not informed the public and the party about any developments.

He said the party also believed that the government could be involved in Benazir’s murder and must be probed in this case. (ANI)