UN probe into Bhutto killing to cost Rs.200 mn

Islamabad, April 9 (IANS) A UN probe into the assassination is likely to cost Rs.200 million, a media report Thursday said.

Quoting sources, Geo TV said initial estimates of the expenses involved has been placed at Rs.200 million.

The six-member UN team, which arrived here Monday to lay the ground for the probe, Thursday met officials of the interior ministry and law enforcing agencies.

The team also discussed the expenses to be incurred on the proposed UN commission tasked with the probe of Bhutto's assassination Dec 27, 2007 in a gun and bomb attack as she left a political rally in the adjacent garrison town of Rawalpindi.

Mark Quarterman, a senior legal officer in the office of the UN legal counsel, heads the team.

Pakistan had earlier this year sought a UN probe into Bhuttto's killing after its own investigations and one by Scotland Yard failed to make headway.

This is largely because the spot where Bhutto was killed was hosed down soon after, destroying whatever evidence that could have been gathered.

Baitullah Mehsud, who leads the Pakistani Taliban, is one of those suspected of having a hand in Bhutto's killing.