Bhutto pessimistic about power-sharing deal

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto admitted she has met secretly with President Gen Musharraf but said she was increasingly pessimistic about reaching a power-sharing deal with the leader.

Bhutto plans to return next month from self-exile to challenge Musharraf, who is seeking another term in presidential elections. She has threatened to withdraw her lawmakers from Parliament if Musharraf does not compromise, for instance by lifting a ban on her serving a third term as prime minister.