Violence in Pakistan delays Bhutto probe

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The security situation in Pakistan could force a U.N. commission investigating the assassination of Benazir Bhutto to delay a key report, officials said.

Bhutto, a former prime minister, was assassinated in December 2007 in Rawalpindi following a campaign rally for her Pakistan People's Party in the run-up to the January 2008 parliamentary elections.

An independent commission led by Heraldo Munoz, the Chilean envoy to the United Nations, visited Rawalpindi in July. The team in October met with Pakistani citizens and officials to gather evidence and material related to their investigation.

Munoz said it was important to move forward with the investigation with patience in mind, noting he would inform U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the challenges presented by the current security situation in Pakistan, reports Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

"We will consult with the secretary-general since he knows our job is made difficult by the conditions there," he said.

Pakistani forces in October launched a major military offensive against Taliban and other insurgents in the tribal belt along the volatile border with Afghanistan.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack on a U.N. compound in Pakistan in October, preventing the commission from further investigations.

A report was expected by Dec. 31.