Musharraf 'willing to share power with Bhutto'

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf is willing to share power with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s party if it wins enough seats in the next parliamentary elections, officials said today.

Musharraf, who is seeking another five-year term, has held talks with Bhutto over a possible power-sharing agreement.

The government indicated yesterday it was ready to pardon Bhutto, clearing her way to participate in politics.

A senior Cabinet minister said today that Bhutto and the government were close to reaching an understanding about Saturday’s presidential vote and the parliamentary elections, which are due to be held by January.

“President Musharraf has told us that he would not hesitate to share power with Benazir Bhutto, if she gains enough seats to be part of government of national consensus,” the minister – who did not want to be identified – said.

The Supreme Court had to delay until later today hearing two fresh challenges to Musharraf’s candidacy for Saturday’s presidential election by national and provincial lawyers after one justice recused himself, saying he already expressed an opinion while part of a nine-justice panel that rejected other petitions on Friday.