ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: President-elect Asif Ali Zardari must reverse controversial changes made to the Constitution under military rule and restore the powers of parliament, the opposition said on Sunday.

“The criticism against Pervez Musharraf was that he had politicised the presidency,” said PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal.

“Zardari’s first test is that as president he facilitates the transfer of Musharraf’s powers to parliament. Under the Constitution the president is ceremonial and the prime minister is strong,” Mr Iqbal said.

“If the centre of power is the presidency then there is a dichotomy like that under Musharraf. He should surrender those powers and resign his political position immediately,” he added.

The second largest opposition party, the PML-Q, also said power should be centred on parliament.

“The government should take all decisions through parliament,” said PML-Q’s Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who was defeated by Mr Zardari in Saturday’s presidential election.—AFP