Islamabad: A Pakistani court today directed authorities to arrest by April 21 Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud and four other absconding accused in the case related to the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.

The anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi issued the order to arrest Mehsud, a man named Ikramullah who allegedly aided the suicide bomber who killed Bhutto, and the others during a hearing.

Five accused in the case -- would-be suicide bomber Aitzaz Shah, Sher Zaman, Hasnain Gul, Rafaqat and Abdul Rashid -- were produced in the court today but the chargesheet could not be filed against them as the other accused were absconding.

The court postponed the hearing till April 21 and declared Mehsud and the other absconding accused as proclaimed offenders.

Besides Mehsud and Ikramullah, the other absconding accused are Faiz Muhammad, Abdul Rahman and Abdullah. The anti-terrorism court ordered authorities to issue advertisements in the print and electronic media seeking information regarding Mehsud and his four associates.

Such advertisements should be circulated and displayed throughout the country, the court said. The court also directed police to arrest the absconding accused and present them before it on April 21.

Source : PTI