Independent UN probe into Bhutto killing wraps up latest visit to Pakistan

The independent United Nations commission charged with examining the facts and circumstances behind the December 2007 assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto has completed its latest visit to the country, a spokesperson for the world body announced today.

During its three-day visit, the Commission of Inquiry met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other senior Government officials and civil society members.

This was the third visit to Pakistan by the Commission, which was set up following a request from the Government.

The three-member Commission, which began its work in July 2009, is headed by Chilean Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz and also comprises Marzuki Darusman, the former attorney-general of Indonesia, and Peter Fitzgerald, a veteran of the Irish National Police who has also served the UN in a number of capacities.

The Commission's term ends on 31 March, and it expects to submit its report to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon within its current deadline, UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters in New York.

Mr. Ban will share the report with the Pakistani Government and submit it to the Security Council for information.