Verdict in BB murder case a victory for militants: PPP

Party statement expresses surprise at acquittals of Taliban members, keeps pointing at Musharraf

KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) expressed disappointment and shock at the verdict in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, which was announced on Thursday by an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi. The party believes that justice has not been done, nor it seems to have been done.

“The acquittal of Taliban members against whom evidence had been provided is most surprising and raise several questions,” the party said in a statement, adding that on its face, the verdict seems to be a triumph for militants.



The party also noted that while two police officers have been convicted and sentenced, the question as to who had ordered them to wash the scene of the crime and destroy crucial evidence has not been addressed. “The conviction of the police officers will remain weak unless those giving orders to them were also tried and convicted,” it adds.

The PPP also notes that prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar was assassinated just when he was preparing to oppose a bail application filed by General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.



The party also recalled the apprehensions expressed by Bhutto regarding the plot to assassinate her. “It is common knowledge that she had stated Musharraf had threatened that her life would be in danger if she returned to Pakistan before the elections”.

The party also adds, “Since the PPP was not a party to the case it demands that the government immediately file an appeal against the verdict. The PPP will also employ legal instruments to mount its claim to become a party to the case and file an appeal against the verdict.”