KARACHI, Nov 18: The Sindh High Court asked its probate branch to process an application moved by MNA Faryal Talpur for issuance of a letter of probate in respect of the late Benazir Bhutto’s will appointing her and her husband as the trustees and executors of her will in favour of her three children.

The application has been moved under Section 276 of the Succession Act to seek judicial validity and enforcement of the will so that the actions taken by the executors are protected. The will was drawn by the late prime minister in London on August 11, 1997. It was witnessed by two residents of London, Barry David Stewart Locke and Majeresno Elle.

The testament bequeaths 50 per cent of all movable and immovable properties owned by Ms Bhutto within and outside Pakistan to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and 25 per cent each to Bakhtawar and Asifa Bhutto-Zardari. The shares would devolve on each legal heir when he or she attains the age of 25.

The application says that the high court has jurisdiction in the matter as the movable and immovable assets were worth more than Rs5 million. Advocate Abu Bakr Zardari appeared for the applicants before Justice Munib Ahmed Khan as he took up the probate plea.

Appointing Ms Faryal, her sister-in-law, and Munawar Ali Talpur, Faryal’s husband, as co-trustees and co-executors, Ms Bhutto obliged them to hold the properties in trust for the beneficiaries and invest them in securities on their behalf.

The profits accruing on the assets are to be transferred to the ultimate inheritance of each heir. However, any amount required for their ‘first class’ education may be utilised out of each heir’s share according his or her needs.

Accepting the plea, Justice Khan asked the probate branch to process the application.