Bhutto's party to contest presidency if Musharraf disqualified

Pakistan's politics took another twist yesterday after former Premier Benazir Bhutto's party declared it would contest October 6 presidential polling - but only if President General Pervez Musharraf is barred from running.

The announcement came as the Supreme Court resumed hearing petitions that could determine Musharraf's right to pursue a new five-year term. The opposition claims he cannot do so without giving up his powerful dual role as army chief.

Musharraf has pledged to step down as military chief and restore civilian rule if lawmakers give him a fresh mandate on October 6. But a government lawyer said on Tuesday the Pakistani leader would stay on as army chief if he is not re-elected.