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Bhutto Widower Moves Closer to Presidency

Pakistan's Zardari wins key opposition support to succeed Musharraf

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 20, 2008 7:40 AM CDT
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(AP) – A major opposition party has backed Asif Ali Zardari, Benazir Bhutto's widower and the leader of the Pakistan People's Party, to succeed Pervez Musharraf as president, reports the AP. Zardari's support from the MQM, a party once loyal to Musharraf, will strengthen his hand in a struggle with coalition partner Nawaz Sharif over the presidency, as well as the issue of restoring the judges Musharraf purged.

The MQM is the second-largest opposition group in Parliament; it dominates Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city, and other urban areas. Once an arch-rival of the PPP, the party now says Zardari has the "wisdom and vision" to become president. Its support may be critical if Sharif goes ahead with a threat to quit the coalition unless the ousted judges are reinstated.

Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari greet former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon Sharif's arrival for a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad.
Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari greet former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon Sharif's arrival for a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad.   (AP Photo)
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, speaks to media about Pervez Musharraf's resignation upon his arrival in Karachi, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, speaks to media about Pervez Musharraf's resignation upon his arrival in Karachi, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Pakistan's ruling party leaders Asif Ali Zardari Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, right, smile prior to a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistan's ruling party leaders Asif Ali Zardari Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, right, smile prior to a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo)
Asif Ali Zardari, husband of slain Benazir Bhutto, touches her photo during his speech to congress of the Socialist International, south of Athens on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
Asif Ali Zardari, husband of slain Benazir Bhutto, touches her photo during his speech to congress of the Socialist International, south of Athens on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, donates blood on the eve of Bhutto's birthday near Larkana, Pakistan, Saturday, June 21, 2008.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, donates blood on the eve of Bhutto's birthday near Larkana, Pakistan, Saturday, June 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, prays at his wife's grave on her birthday near Larkana, Pakistan, Saturday, June 21, 2008.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, prays at his wife's grave on her birthday near Larkana, Pakistan, Saturday, June 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)
Pakistan's ruling party leaders Asif Ali Zardari, left, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, center, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrive for a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistan's ruling party leaders Asif Ali Zardari, left, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, center, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrive for a meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 in Islamabad, Pakistan.   (AP Photo)
Pakistan's ruling party head Asif Ali Zardari, left, greets former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival for a meeting to discuss Pervez Musharraf's resignation.
Pakistan's ruling party head Asif Ali Zardari, left, greets former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival for a meeting to discuss Pervez Musharraf's resignation.   (AP Photo)
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