Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s government may have requested the help of Scotland Yard in the enquiry into slain PPP chief Benazir Bhutto's assassination, but skepticism continues in the country over the government's intentions, especially considering their flip-flops over what caused Benazir's death.
With the cloud of mystery over the former prime minister’s death thickening, the pressure on Musharraf also rose which led him to summon the world's most famous detective agency.
“We have decided to summon a team from Scotland Yard in United Kingdom to look into the investigation into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” Musharraf said.
In reaching out to the UK to help, Musharraf is hoping that he can satisfy the agitating people of Pakistan. Most Pakistanis are skeptical about the government's investigation into Benazir's assassination so far with many lawyers even openly accusing the President of planning it.
However, Musharraf has squarely blamed jehadi groups for the killing. “Baitullah Mehsud and Fazlullah, who is in the Swat area, are behind the killing of Benazir Bhutto,” he said.
Despite these claims, there are still many questions, which have been left unanswered like where were police officials during the security lapse on Benazir’s last rally. Many are also asking why Benazir was allowed to stand through her car's sunroof despite security warnings.
So, what is behind the government's flip-flop on what killed Benazir – sunroof lever, suicide bomber, a man who shot at point blank range, or a sharp shooting sniper concealed at a height?
Why was no autopsy done even though it is mandatory to clear the air on whether she died of a heart attack, a brain concussion, or did she haemorrhage to death?
In a press conference to counter Musharraf's address, Benazir's husband Asif Ali Zardari also asked, why the government did not apply to international agencies earlier. “We will get international support and get to the bottom of the matter,” Zardari said.
Perhaps the biggest criticism of the government's handling of the situation has been the destruction of evidence. Within hours of Benazir's assassination the entire area was washed of the bloodstains, removing doubts that the investigation will not be easy.