PM: Pakistani gov't to ask UN probe into Bhutto case

ISLAMABAD, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Makhdoom Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday pledged to request the United Nations to probe into former PM Benazir Bhutto's assassination case after the ratification of a resolution from the country's National Assembly.

He made the remarks while talking to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on phone.

Ban told Gilani that the decision of starting the investigation of Bhutto's murder case would be taken after receiving a written application.

He extended heartiest congratulations to Gilani on his becoming prime minister of Pakistan.

Ban said that the UN could not issue any order to kick off such investigation unless it is requested in black and white.

He gave further clarification that after receiving an application from the Pakistani parliament, it would be tabled in the Security Council for endorsement and after that any further action would be taken in this respect.

After this telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister Secretariat issued a statement, saying that the UN chief has replied the letter of Co-Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party Asif Ali Zardari, in which he asked for UN investigation of the Bhutto murder case.