It would be nice to think this deal might bring some stability to the country if not the area in general.

A REMARKABLE political pact appeared to have been struck last night, with reports that Pakistan's most prominent opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, had agreed to a power-sharing role with the country's beleaguered military ruler, President Pervez Musharraf.

The accord -- which will allow General Musharraf another five years as president and Ms Bhutto, who is now living in exile, a chance for a third term as prime minister -- was "signed and sealed" at a secret face-to-face weekend meeting in Abu Dhabi, it was reported. more