Zardari's Musharraf deal disclosure stirs hornet's nest in Pak polity India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's disclosure regarding a 'guaranteed' deal which facilitated his predecessor General Pervez Musharraf's ouster from the Presidency has created ripples in the country's political fraternity. While the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has denied its involvement in the deal, the Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid (PML-Q) has criticized PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif for being a part of the negotiation. PML-N leader Pervaiz Rasheed said Zardari should clarify who are the local and international stakeholders involved in brokering the said deal which allowed safe passage for Musharraf. PML-Q leader Sher Afghan Niazi deplored Sharif for playing a part in the deal. "He is making hue and cry only for political gains and was trying to fool the masses," The Daily Times quoted Niazi, as saying. Awami National Party Senior Vice President Haji Muhammad Adeel said the way Musharraf was given a guard of honour after his resignation from the Presidency clearly indicated that it was all part of a secret deal. Adeel, however, said his party was not part of the deal and had never supported any civil or military dictator. Meanwhile, the MQM has said it is unaware of any such deal taking place. "The party was not aware of any agreement leading to the former president's resignation," said MQM president Haider Abbas Rizvi.