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Security Boss Suspected by Bhutto Will Quit

Ex-PM fingered Shah among likely plotters before Dec. killing

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 19, 2008 12:05 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A Pakistani intelligence chief whom slain leader Benazir Bhuttto suspected to be plotting against her is leaving his post with Bhutto's party poised to take power Monday, Reuters reports. Bhutto identified Ijaz Shah as one of four people who should be investigated if she were to be killed; many Pakistanis suspect the country's spy agencies were behind Bhutto's Dec. 27 assassination.

"He sent his resignation several days back. It's been accepted and yesterday he paid a farewell call on the prime minister," a government official said of Shah, a retired army official close to president Pervez Musharraf. Pakistan has three intelligence services; Shah was head of an agency controlled by the government. The other two are controlled by the military.

A Pakistani man rides his bicycle next to poster of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto at the spot where she was assassinated.
A Pakistani man rides his bicycle next to poster of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto at the spot where she was assassinated.   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Slain Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Slain Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf denies that officials from his government's intelligence services were involved in the Dec. 27 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf denies that officials from his government's intelligence services were involved in the Dec. 27 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.   (AP Photo/Mian Khursheed, File)
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Shah's rationale
Daily Times (Pakistan)

A different view of whose idea this was
Hindu (India)

 
Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Benazir Bhutto • Pakistan People's Party • Ijaz Shah • Pakistan intelligence services

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