Pakistan said on Wednesday it was open to receive assistance from outside to probe into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, however, the foreign help would be sought as and when the government felt it was needed. Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said this at his weekly news briefing.
He reiterated that the government is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation in the assassination of former prime minister. The spokesman, however, ruled out the possibility of permitting the investigation by the UN.
He said that Pakistan had assured the world leaders that the government was making every effort to comprehensively investigate the dastardly assassination of Benazir Bhutto, he said. "We owe this to the people and family of the former prime minister," he said while reading out a written statement.
Sadiq said several leaders of the friendly countries have called to condemn the horrific terrorist act and expressed condolences on this national tragedy. "Some of the foreign leaders, especially the US, the UK and France, offered help in investigation and Pakistan will contact them if such assistance is required. We have received a large number of condolence messages and statements from foreign leaders and we are deeply moved by expression of condolences and sympathy with the people of Pakistan and the family of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto," he added.
Replying to a question, the spokesman said the visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner met Foreign Minister Inamul Haque on Wednesday and had offered help in this regard.
He said the visiting Foreign Minister conveyed condolences from the President and the people of France on the assassination of former prime minister Benazi Bhutto and reiterated his country's support in the common fight against terrorism.
The spokesman said that Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the special gesture of the President and people of France for their show of support and solidarity, and conveyed that Pakistan would ensure that the culprits responsible for the tragic assassination are apprehended and punished. He also underlined Pakistan's resolve to continue on the path of democracy and to defeat terrorism.
When asked about any threat to the nuclear installations in Pakistan, Sadiq said the country has an effective command and control system. He termed reports in a section of press about any threat to nuclear assets as totally baseless and ridiculous. "These reports have no credence."
Answering a question about a proposal from US Congressmen to suspend American defence assistance to Pakistan, the spokesman said such action would neither serve any purpose to resolve political crisis in Pakistan nor it would be suitable for Pak-US relations. Pakistan and America are close allies in war against terror and such suspension could damage bilateral relations, he added.
Commenting on the statements about Pakistan's failure in war against terror after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the spokesman said it was extraordinary situation and it was a tragic incident. He said the world has seen Pakistan's co-operation and assistance in the war against terrorism.