Islamabad: The Pakistan People's Party today rejected the government's decision to seek the help of Britain's Scotland Yard to probe the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto and demanded an investigation by the United Nations.

PPP leader Babar Awan said the move to rope in the Scotland Yard to assist Pakistani investigating agencies was a deliberate attempt to "screen out the culprits". The investigation into Bhutto's assassination on December 27 should be done only by the UN, he told a news conference here.

Awan also flayed the Election Commission's decision to delay the general election till February 18 in the aftermath of Bhutto s killing. He alleged the government had planned to delay the polls even before the assassination of Bhutto, who was "the symbol of democracy".

Earlier too, the postponement of the polls for a year had been suggested by government officials. "Our opponents had been saying long before that Benazir Bhutto would not be allowed to become the prime minister for a third time," he said.

Awan said the PPP has decided to take part in the elections in order to save the federation. "Political activities should be carried out and the PPP wants the people's importance to be recognised," he added.

Source : PTI