A probing the US raid that killed Osama Bin Laden has asked the government to prevent the al-Qaeda leader's family from leaving Pakistan without its permission. Three of Bin Laden's wives and several children have been detained since the 2 May raid at a compound near Islamabad.

The commission is investigating how the al-Qaeda leader hid in the Abbottabad compound, among other things.

It is not clear whether the authorities will heed the commission's demand.

Bin Laden, 54, orchestrated the 9/11 attacks in which nearly 3,000 people died.

He evaded the forces of the US and its allies for almost a decade, despite a $25m (£15m) bounty on his head.

The commission held its first meeting on Tuesday - it was not open to the media or the public.

A statement issued by the commission promised a thorough investigation and said it would summon senior civilian and military leaders to attend proceedings if necessary.

"Their identity will be kept confidential and they will also be legally protected," the statement quoted by the Associated Press said.

BBC News