QUETTA, Nov 24: Jamhoori Watan Party chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti said on Wednesday that the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy was sincere about launching a movement against the government but the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal was playing games.

Talking to newsmen at his residence in Dera Bugti, he said: "The ARD is sincere in its efforts while the MMA has been playing a game of cat and mouse for a long timeand it played a role in the adoption of the 17th Constitutional Amendment and President Gen Pervez Musharraf's military post".

In reply to a question, he said the release of Pakistan People's Party leader Asif Zardari was a good development. Responding to another question, he said leaders of the PPPP were themselves saying that a 'deal' had been reached with the government. He said that in addition to the president's 'goodwill', a role of the United States in the release could not be ruled out.

"I think the difficulties of Gen Musharraf have not increased to an extent that might force him to dissolve the assemblies and hold election," he said in reply to a question. He said Pakistan Muslim League leader Pir Pagaro was earlier saying that election would be held in 2005 but now he was saying something different.

He said the chairman of the parliamentary sub-committee on Balochistan had contacted him twice to exchange views and greeted him on Eid but he did not know if the committee had made any progress.

Asked about the possibility of former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif returning to the country, the JWP leader said: "I think they should be allowed to come back to Pakistan".