Deadline on Bhutto probe uncalled for

Calls for a UN inquiry into the assassination of former Pakistan leader Benazir Bhutto have been rejected out of hand by President Pervez Musharraf as being unnecessary. Musharraf believes the country has its own adequate resources to make a full and proper investigation into the assassination and the events surrounding it. However, the president has conceded that he has called in Britain's Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation, believing their experience will help resolve the inquiry more quickly. Musharraf is hoping that the result of the investigations will be published before the February 18 parliamentary vote, thereby giving about six weeks to the police to determine their conclusions.

Bearing in mind the length of time it usually takes forensic scientists to extrapolate the evidence required for a conviction, or to determine those responsible, it does seem unduly hasty for a report to be submitted.

Could it be that Musharraf is being too optimistic and in pressing for a quick report, is expecting exoneration of any government involvement? If such findings were determined, then it would do much to strengthen Musharraf's support and those of the political parties that are aligned with him. But then, realistically, whoever stepped in now to examine the evidence of the assassination - what little there is of it, and even then that which remains unspoilt - will have a very difficult time trying to forensically piece together anything that was quickly gathered from the scene of the crime. The immediate hosing down of the crime scene and removal of anything that could be considered useful in evidence does little to credit the efficiency of the police forces which Musharraf holds in such high regard. However, calling for a UN probe, as with the killing of Hariri in Lebanon, is a waste of time, as the inquiry is only as good as the country doing the UN work.