ISLAMABAD, December 30, SPA — Pakistan rejected an outside investigation into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on Saturday. Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema defended the government’s ability to carry out its investigation.
He said an independent judicial probe should be completed within seven days of the appointment of its presiding judge.
“This is not an ordinary criminal matter in which we require assistance of the international community. I think we are capable of handling it,” he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Benazir Bhutto died Thursday evening when a suicide attacker shot at her and then blew himself up as she waved to supporters from the sunroof of her armored vehicle outside a campaign rally.
Her Pakistan People’s Party called a meeting Sunday expected to choose a new leader, decide whether to participate in the January 8 elections and hear her last will and testament.