THE exiled former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, has been warned by her arch rival against plotting a power-sharing deal with President Pervez Musharraf.

Nawaz Sharif, another former prime minister, told The Sunday Times that he feared Bhutto – regarded as the country’s most charismatic politician – may be planning to trade her opposition to the military ruler for a chance to return to office.

“She told me we’re not cutting any deal with the government but in interviews she has said, ‘Yes, there are talks going on’. I’m pleading with her not to go down that road,” he said.

Sharif, 57, forced into exile by Musharraf in 1999, believed he had a pact with Bhutto that they would not deal with the military-controlled government.

The Pakistan Muslim League leader and Bhutto, 53, who heads the Pakistan People’s party, are the two most popular politicians and have each served two terms as prime minister.

Both are planning to return to contest the general election, expected to be held towards the end of this year, despite a constitutional amendment passed by Musharraf barring anyone from serving a third term. They face threats of arrest and deportation.

For Sharif, any deal by Bhutto that prolonged the military ruler’s tenure would be a blow. “I hope and pray we don’t talk to people who are destroying the institutions of the country,” he said. At least 27 people were killed in Karachi yesterday as pro-government and opposition groups clashed. The violence began when supporters of Musharraf tried to stop Iftikhar Chaudhry, the chief justice whose suspension led to nationwide protests, holding a rally.

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