Musharraf allegedly knew of Bhutto plot

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf had prior knowledge of the Taliban plot to assassinate Benazir Bhutto, a joint investigation determined.

Bhutto was killed in 2007 following a campaign rally for her Pakistan People's Party. She had returned to Pakistan from exile to run in January 2008 parliamentary elections.

Federal investigators investigating the assassination said "Musharraf had prior knowledge" that the Pakistani Taliban was plotting to kill Bhutto, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reports.

"Based on motive, circumstantial evidence and statements mentioned above, it is prima facie established that Musharraf is equally responsible with criminal (intent) for facilitation and abetment of assassinating Benazir Bhutto through his government`s unjustified failure in providing her the requisite security protection her status deserved as twice prime minister," a source told the newspaper.

A U.N. report on the assassination implicates the government of the former president, claiming Pakistani officials at the time "failed profoundly" to protect her.

The U.N. report on the Dec. 27, 2007, death of Bhutto dismissed a subsequent investigation into her death as prejudiced.

Bhutto was said to be wary of Musharraf as she attempted to return to power in Pakistan.