ISLAMABAD, June 5: Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has praised Pakistan People's Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto for rejecting Chaudhry Shujaat's offer for formation of a national consensus government in Sindh.

Talking to his family members at Adiala Jail, the ARD president said the offer was made by the government to divide the politicians and political parties, says a press release. Mr Hashmi, who is also the acting president of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, said the PPP should not come in the trap of Gen Pervez Musharraf and remain vigilant.

He said at present, Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad was enjoying more powers than the governors of other three provinces. He claimed that Gen Musharraf's survival depended on the support of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

Mr Hashmi also appealed to the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) not to become a tool in the hands of a military dictator. He said the MMA had strengthened the hands of Gen Musharraf by extending its support to the government during the passage of the 17th Constitutional amendment. He said the MMA should take steps so that in future it could not be blamed for strengthening the military rule in the country.

He said it was a collective responsibility of the politicians that they should not be used in the hands of military establishment.

The ARD leader said General Anthony Zini in his book, "Battle Ready", had disclosed that during Kargil war, Gen Pervez Musharraf contacted him directly, asking him to convince former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to withdraw troops from the battlefield.