By Paul Wiseman and Zafar M. Sheikh
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistan's democratic opposition grabbed an overwhelming lead over the allies of pro-U.S. President Pervez Musharraf in Monday's high-stakes parliamentary elections, according to state television. The results could leave Pakistan's next government facing intense public pressure to reduce its cooperation with the U.S. war on terrorism.
As results poured in overnight, Pakistan Television reported that the Pakistan Peoples Party of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto had grabbed 68 of 268 seats being contested in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament. The Pakistan Muslim League of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif won 62. The former ruling party, allied with Musharraf, had 27. Full results might be released later today.
Ruling party spokesman Tariq Azim conceded today that the party did not "do at all well."
Musharraf was not on the ballot, but a solid victory by opposition parties might lead Pakistan to reverse his policies against Islamist militants, says retired lieutenant general Hamid Gul, former head of the intelligence service. "The election is a referendum against Musharraf's policies," Gul says. The war on terrorism "is not our war. Why are we fighting this war?"...
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