Restore democracy or I'll come back, Bhutto warns Musharraf

Exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has warned Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf that if he fails to restore democracy and civilian rule in the country, she will return and lead a democratic movement against him.

"Time is running out for him," she said, pointing at the non-fulfilment of promises made by Musharraf to her Pakistan People's Party. She was speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations yesterday.

Bhutto, reportedly cutting a deal with Musharraf that would enable her return to Pakistan, asked the US to link any future aid to the restoration of democracy and called on the international community to make a long-term commitment to strengthen the country's institutions that would isolate and counter terrorists.

Describing the corruption charges against her as an attempt to divert attention from institutionalised military corruption, she said they are "politically motivated" and nothing has so far been proved against her.

Similar charges were also leveled against Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to remove him, she said.

Bhutto told the council her party had put its popularity on the line by entering into a dialogue with Musharraf and now it was time for him to deliver on his promises.

Conceding that an alliance with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf could politically hurt her, she said she did not want to be seen as bailing out the "unpopular military dictatorship".