Pakistan’s opposition leader rejects as powerless internal military proble over bin Laden, calls for independent probe

Pakistan's opposition leader Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday rejected as powerless an internal military probe ordered by the state over the US raid that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and called for an independent inquiry into the issue.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday announced that a lieutenant general would head an inquiry "to get to the bottom of how, when and why" bin Laden had been hiding in the garrison town where he was killed by US forces. US President Barack Obama has also pressed Pakistan to probe how bin Laden managed to live for years under the noses of its military, saying he must have been supported by locals.

Sharif, considered the most popular politician in Pakistan, demanded that the government establish a judicial commission within three days headed by the country's top judge, which should complete its work in 21 days.

Sharif said the government and military had failed to find "satisfactory answers" over the perceived US violation of sovereignty and how bin Laden had managed to live, possibly for five years, without being detected.

"It (the commission) must probe whether we have an agreement with the US to allow its forces to conduct any operation in Pakistan. And if we have it should ascertain whether it was in accordance with the constitution," said Sharif.