'Britain to freeze Benazir's assets'

LONDON, DEC. 10. Britain is to freeze the assets of former Pakistani Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, here and order the police to help the authorities in her country recover money allegedly stolen by her and her husband, The Sunday Telegraph, reported today.

A team of senior officials of the Home Office met the representatives of Pakistan's military regime in Islamabad last month and agreed to offer full assistance, the report said.

A warrant has been issued in Pakistan for Ms. Bhutto's arrest. Her husband, Mr. Asif Zardari, is already in jail.

The Home Office Minister, Mr. Charles Clarke, said the British officials met the Pakistan Government's representative, Gen. Amjad, here in September to ``explore the scope of assistance available'' to recover the funds.

``On November 13, the head of the United Kingdom Central Authority, the section within the Home Office that deals with letters of request from overseas, travelled to Pakistan to meet prosecutors, judges and officials of the National Accountability Bureau and provide advice on the assistance the United Kingdom can offer, and on our requirements in terms of letters of request,'' Mr. Clarke said.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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