World | Pakistan
Major opposition party backs Zardari for Pakistan president
A major opposition party on Wednesday backed Benazir Bhutto's widower to become Pakistan's president, as the power struggle following the resignation of Pervez Musharraf intensified.
- Agencies
- Published: 14:56 August 20, 2008
- Benazir Bhutto's widower now leads the Pakistan People's Party.
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
Islamabad: A major opposition party on Wednesday backed Benazir Bhutto's widower to become Pakistan's president, as the power struggle following the resignation of Pervez Musharraf intensified.
Asif Ali Zardari, who heads the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has played down speculation that he covets the presidency.
However, opposition backing will give him an edge in the struggle with coalition partner Nawaz Sharif over key issues, including the restoration of judges.
A leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Haider Razvi, said it wanted Zardari as president because of his past sacrifices and for his "wisdom and vision" in handling Musharraf's ouster.
The MQM, a strong Musharraf supporter, is the second-largest opposition group in Parliament, which dominates Karachi and other areas in Sindh.
Razvi called for a president from outside Punjab, adding that Zardari - a Sindhi - was "most eligible" for the job.
"He is a strong believer in the federation," Razvi said.
Few analysts expect the coalition to collapse, arguing that Sharif and Zardari need to share the burden of tackling Islamic militancy and serious economic problems.
However, if it does, Zardari's party could look to the MQM and even elements with the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, the largest opposition bloc, to shore up the government.
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