PR. No.308/2007

Date: 31/12/2007

We take strong exception to the report that has twisted certain remarks by Senator Hillary Clinton to suggest that “ Pakistan troops might have killed Bhutto” as carried by Newsday of 30 December 2007. We reject such ridiculous, absurd and sinister insinuations that reek of animus against Pakistan and an intent to see Pakistan destabilized.

The Government of Pakistan is making every effort to comprehensively investigate the dastardly assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. We owe this to the people of Pakistan and to the family of the former Prime Minister. The Government is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation and will not shy away from receiving assistance from outside, if needed. No effort will be spared to establish the facts.

We also expect that responsible leaders and public figures in the US would refrain from making statements that are likely to be distorted and misused and could further upset the people who are still in a state of shock because of the national tragedy.

Islamabad

31 December, 2007