Lahore, Nov 15: The editor of the Daily Times, Najam Sethi, has said that strong backing by the military has made Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf 'rigid', leading the General to take a tough line against the politicians.

Speaking to Geo News, Sethi said that the Pakistani military didn't seem to be supporting the idea of transferring the power to politicians, as they believe that the politicians would aggravate the ongoing crisis.

He said that Musharraf's confidence has led him to push former premier and Pakistan People's Party chairperson, Benazir Bhutto, to the wall, and the latter had not adopted any confrontational stance against the General.

Bhutto had expressed her concerns regarding some elements sitting with Musharraf, Sethi was quoted by the daily, as saying.

Her demand of transparent elections, and that she be consulted for the setting up of a caretaker government are legitimate and sensible, he added.

Commenting on the recent remarks made by Bhutto that she would never become the Prime Minister in Musharraf's presidency and that Musharraf should quit from both the post of Chief of Army Staff and President, Sethi said, "Now, Bhutto has taken a hard line against Musharraf and does not seem to be ready for any reconciliation with him. "

"Musharraf needs Bhutto as she needs fair elections, " he added. (ANI)