Allow ex-PM to return, ruling party tells govt

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's main political ally, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Q), has favoured former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's return from exile while firmly opposing any political deal with PPP leader Benazir Bhutto.

The central working committee of the PML-Q, which had split from the PML headed by Sharif after the coup by Musharraf in 1999, yesterday appealed to the president to allow Sharif to return, said party sources.

The committee was informed by the government that all options, including deportation and arrest, were being considered and a decision would be taken at an appropriate time. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz attended the meeting, in which PML(Q) President Shujaat Hussain took part. Hussain later said Sharif's return would not make any difference as the PML was ready to face any political challenge in the next general elections.

To a question, he said, "No decision has been taken to deport Sharif after his arrival in Islamabad and every step will be taken according to the law." "Nawaz Sharif made promises with the custodian of two holy mosques (the Saudi King) for his exile to Saudi Arabia and now he is backing out of his promises," he said. He said the PML and its allied parties would re-elect President Musharraf.

The party, however, opposed quashing of corruption cases against Bhutto or making new laws to allow her a third term as prime minister.

Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid said yesterday the deal with Bhutto was collapsing as the Pakistan People's Party chief wanted to be prime minister for the third time.