Ministers, parliamentarians express concern over Musharraf-Benazir deal

Federal Ministers and parliamentarians belonging to Pakistans Sindh and Punjab province have expressed reservations about the expected deal between President Pervez Musharraf and former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Islamabad, Sep 6 : Federal Ministers and parliamentarians belonging to Pakistan's Sindh and Punjab province have expressed reservations about the expected deal between President Pervez Musharraf and former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan Muslim League (Qaumi) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar and some ministers expressed their reservations during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, sources said.

Shujaat Hussain is reported to have told the participants that the PML-Q has decided not to contest polls as a joint coalition, and could form an electoral alliance in Sindh with any party.

A federal minister criticised the government for not informing them about the deliberations with the PPP.

Faisal Saleh Hayat, Raza Hayat Hiraj and other ministers from the old PPP Patriots said they would support the president's re-election.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao also cautiously opposed the deal with Bhutto, suggesting a post-electoral adjustment with the PPP or any other party.

Shujaat Hussain and Aziz said that the deal would be completed in the larger public interest.

They did reveal whether Musharraf would be re-elected in uniform and by the current assemblies.

ANI