Washington, Jan. 29: A report appearing in the Chicago Tribune has said that Pakistan's future in inextricably linked with the future of the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

According to the Daily Times, the report maintains that because of widespread discontent with Musharraf and the sympathy wave for the PPP in the wake of Benazir Bhutto's assassination, many in Pakistan expect PPP candidates to sweep the February 18 polls, provided it is held in a fair and free manner.

In an interview to the newspaper, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari “refused to say whom the party would nominate to be prime minister if it wins the most seats, saying the chaoice of the head of government would be decided after the election results are announced.

The PPP would also then decide about working with Musharraf, Zardari added.

Zardari said he had not met Musharraf or any of his emissaries in recent weeks, despite rumours of negotiations doing the rounds.

According to the report, many PPP supporters are concerned that Zardari and Musharraf might sign a deal.

In such an eventuality, some party leaders have said privately that they would leave the PPP if Zardari signed up with Musharraf.

Others have said there is no way the PPP and Musharraf could work together at this point. (ANI)