Musharraf sincere, Shaukat Aziz Government not, says Bhutto

Former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto has described President General Pervez Musharraf as sincere, but voiced scepticism about the Shaukat Aziz Governments desire to go ahead with the deal to facilitate her return home and for her participation in the general elections.

London, Sept.6 : Former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto has described President General Pervez Musharraf as sincere, but voiced scepticism about the Shaukat Aziz Government's desire to go ahead with the deal to facilitate her return home and for her participation in the general elections.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Benazir said that failure to reach an agreement could prompt a people's uprising akin to the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004.

Benazir Bhutto said the people of Pakistan want change and a society free from terrorism and suicide bombings.

She claimed that the power-sharing deal that she was negotiating with Musharraf was designed to achieve a peaceful transition to democracy and a stronger balance between the powers of the president and Parliament.

Commenting on the situation in Pakistan she said there is unrest in the country. Tribal areas are dominated by pro Taliban and pro al Qaida elements. Even Pakistan army soldiers are being kidnapped and the country's unity is at stake

"In this situation, people will prefer a peaceful transition to democracy." She said some significant progress was made in the negotiations.

According to The News, Bhutto also acknowledged that some issues remained unresolved and claimed there was a faction in the government resisting any agreement.

"This is such a roller coaster that one cannot be sure about the final outcome," Bhutto said.

"Pakistan's unity is at stake because of terrorism and religious extremists. So, the need for unity among the moderate and liberal forces is much greater today," she said.

ANI