ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 Police sought an opinion on Monday from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences about the broken ribs found during the autopsy of former foreign secretary Niaz A. Naik. The police asked the medico-legal officer of Pims to look into speculations that Mr Naik's death followed a fall from stairs.

A private security guard posted in the street where the former diplomat lived all alone had earlier told police that he saw him fall from the stairs in his house. “I did not see him after the incident,” he added.

Police asked the MLO to review the autopsy report, which suggested that a possibility of murder could not be ruled out, in light of security guard's statement.

Sources in Pims said that the possibility of injuries caused by falling from stairs could not be ruled out. However, a board is likely to be set up to look into the matter and give a final opinion, they added.