UNITED NATIONS: The report of the United Nations commission probing the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto may be delayed because of the law and order situation in Pakistan which is making travel to the country difficult.

‘We will consult with the secretary general since he knows our job is made difficult by the conditions there’, said Heraldo Munoz, Chile’s UN Ambassador and Chairman of the commission.

Mr Munoz told this correspondent: ‘We would like to make a real thorough and transparent inquiry covering all avenues and we will not go through it in haste.’

He said the commission was expected to submit its report by Dec 31 this year. But because of attacks on UN agencies in Pakistan, the commission members have not been able to travel to Pakistan to complete their work.

Since the outbreak of violence, the United Nations has withdrawn many non-essential staff and has cautioned its agencies to keep a low profile.