Pakistan’s hard-line Islamic parties have reached an agreement with a bloc of pro-democracy parties to form a coalition government and choose the next prime minister.

PAKISTANI opposition figures today denounced constitutional amendments granting President Pervez Musharraf sweeping powers, saying they were a blow to democracy.

Pakistani opposition figures today denounced constitutional amendments granting President Pervez Musharraf sweeping powers, saying they were a blow to democracy.

Initial results from Pakistan’s referendum tonight indicated an overwhelming majority of voters approving another five year term as president for General Pervez Musharraf.