KARACHI, July 5: Asif Ali Zardari, interned husband of former premier Benazir Bhutto, predicted on Friday that a fresh general election would be held next year.

Talking to reporters at the Central Prison where he is appearing in the Mir Murtaza Bhutto murder case, Mr Zardari said the Pakistan People’s Party had long been saying the present assemblies would be dissolved.

“President Musharraf will also have to step down in case of dissolution of the assemblies,” he added.

In reply to a question, he said the government’s move to disqualify a Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal MNA was aimed at blackmailing the religious party alliance.

He said the MMA would definitely nominate a candidate in the by-elections and the opposition parties would extend support to the candidate. He also appealed to “all democratic” people to support the MMA candidate.

Referring to President Musharraf’s remarks on the issue of Israel and sending Pakistani troops to Iraq, he said the president was trying to appease the US and the West.

Mr Zardari said recognition of Israel was a very sensitive issue. “It is a matter of our own solidarity and no single entity was empowered to deal with it.”

He said only a sincere and democratic government could bring about friendship between India and Pakistan.

Mr Zardari said Ms Benazir Bhutto was in no hurry to return to Pakistan. “She is trying her level best to save the country despite being abroad,” he said.

A number of party leaders and supporters were present outside the Central Prison. They included Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Abdullah Murad, Rafique Engineer, Ms Mehreen, Munawwar Soharwardi, Nazeer Rahu, Umer Jat and Bilal Shaikh of the Asif Zardari Release Committee.