But the Geneva-based judge, who already has filed similar charges against Benazir's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, has formally asked Swiss federal authorities to relay his recommendation that Pakistan indict her, said the attorney, Dominique Poncet.

Authorities have prevented Benazir from leaving Pakistan because of her legal problems there, Poncet said. Poncet said judge Daniel Devaud decided against indicting Benazir himself since she is under no obligation to face charges in Switzerland. Swiss federal officials in Bern declined to comment on whether judge Devaud's recommendation had been relayed to Pakistan.

Pakistani officials have given judge Devaud numerous documents that showed Zardari and Benazir had used Swiss connections to receive kickbacks on Pakistan government contracts.