RAWALPINDI: Former official of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a key witness in the case, on Monday refused to testify against the suspects of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) being tried in Benazir Bhutto murder case.

Ex-telephone operator of the ISI excused himself from testifying before the court ,saying his life is in danger as he lives in Karak district which is close to tribal areas.

Consequently, the anti-terrorism court (ATC) discarded his earlier statement which he recorded before the team investigating Benazir murder case.

Read: Kayani doubted Taliban killed Benazir, recounts UN investigator

The former official had confirmed to the investigating team that he intercepted the communication between the suspects and TTP terrorists.

Five suspects Aitzaz Shah, Rafaqat Hussain, Husnain Gul, Sher Zaman and Abdul Rashid are facing trial in the case.

Besiedes, former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf, former CPO Rawalpindi Saud Aziz and former SP Khurram Shahzad were also accused in the case.

Besides, refusal of former operator of ISI, another witness, Mark Seigel, could not testify before the court.

The prosecution had informed the court that Seigel could record his statement through video link.

Take a look: Truth and assassination

The FIA prosecutor told the court that interior secretary was in contact with the Foreign Office and the officials of the Pakistan embassy in the US to contact Mr Seigal and arrange video link facility for him in the embassy.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2015

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