The Assassination

BBC World Service

4.7 (110)
NEWS

The award-winning inside story. An investigation into the death of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Includes interviews with those accused of her murder.

28/02/2018

Episode 10: Dead Ends

“I laugh at it.” The accused speaks in the series finale. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

40 min
21/02/2018

Episode 9: The Other Dead

A trail of bodies leads deeper into the conspiracy. “Someone doesn’t want us to connect the dots.” With Owen Bennett-Jones.

29 min
14/02/2018

Episode 8: The Assassin’s Journey

The nasty, brutish and short life of Benazir’s killer - confidential police files reveal investigators weren’t interested. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

29 min
07/02/2018

Episode 7: The Funeral

Benazir speaks from the grave to lay blame for her murder. Riots mar the burial as the struggle to control the investigation begins. And her handwritten will reveals an unexpected successor. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

32 min
31/01/2018

Episode 6: The Murder

A final warning and the final day. “I felt there was a fire. Then, there was a blast”. An emotional and forensic account of Benazir’s last hours. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

21 min
24/01/2018

Episode 5: Near Misses

"Suicide bombers got through the security check. What should we do?" Plots, house arrest, appeals for help; time is running out for Benazir Bhutto. Including contributions from her close friend, Victoria Schofield and reporter Ron Suskind. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

22 min
17/01/2018

Episode 4: The Karachi Files

Secret reports, an arrest and “hidden hands” – why the official investigation into the Karachi attack on Benazir Bhutto failed. Owen Bennett-Jones gives a deep dive on Pakistan’s deep state as the saga of Benazir’s death continues. Includes interviews with key anti-terror officers.

35 min
10/01/2018

Episode 3: The Call

“He warned me not to come back”. Benazir’s attempt to ensure a safe return to Pakistan ends in fear, triggered by a disputed telephone conversation with Pakistan’s military ruler. With contributions from three people close to Benazir: the former Pakistani ambassador to Washington, Husain Haqqani; her American advisor Mark Siegal; and Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author Ron Suskind. With Owen Bennett-Jones

13 min
03/01/2018

Episode 2: Family Matters

An execution, a wedding and exile. Benazir Bhutto becomes the Muslim world's first female prime minister. The story of the Bhutto dynasty, the allegations of corruption against them and the growing power of their enemies. With Owen Bennett Jones.

32 min
27/12/2017

Episode 1: Return of the Queen

"Her days were numbered." Introducing Benazir Bhutto and the story of her final journey home. Eight years of self-imposed exile ended when she returned to Pakistan to campaign for high office. Pakistani politics have long been lethal and Bhutto was in no doubt about the danger she faced. With Owen Bennett-Jones.

17 min
18/12/2017

Benazir Bhutto: The Prologue

She was assassinated 10 years ago but no-one has been convicted of Benazir Bhutto's murder. Why? Her family is to Pakistan what the Kennedys are to the US. Owen Bennett-Jones investigates. Episode 1 is out on 27 December.

3 min

11 Episodes

4.7

out of 5

110 Ratings

Top rate journalism

10/07/2021

Grineehee

Compelling investigation into the Pakistani deep state. Very informative.
Genuinely compelling

26/01/2020

AJRWakelin

Fantastic, deep, journalism. One of my favourites.
Love it so much

29/12/2018

Lydiacw

The BBC world service is so great
Worthwhile both for international political history & current events.

02/04/2018

Aquidity

Benazir Bhutto was an extraordinarily brave woman. While she met with a harrowing end as did her father before her, this is a fascinating insight not only into a corrupt and morally bankrupt country, but the plight of young ill educated minions. It is unlikely that the real culprits will ever be brought to justice.

The award-winning inside story. An investigation into the death of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Includes interviews with those accused of her murder.