Pakistan Peoples Party defers PM nomination

Islamabad: Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party has deferred a decision on who should become Pakistan's prime minister on Thursday.

The slain leaders's party, which came out on top in last month's elections, was expected to nominate longtime Bhutto aide, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, as its candidate for the premiership.

But participants at a meeting of newly elected lawmakers at co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari's residence dispersed without even discussing the four main candidates.

Fahim told reporters that the process will continue, adding that "this is democracy."

Officials said Bhutto's husband told them he would discuss the nomination with them in small groups in the next few days before making a decision.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, another of the contenders, added: "The legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto must be fulfilled, and the party and democracy must be strengthened. Individuals come and go, but parties have to live on."