A former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, said yesterday that America was pushing for an alliance of moderate parties to govern the country.

Ms. Bhutto was speaking a day after Nawaz Sharif, another former prime minister, returned to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia after years in exile.

“We welcome Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan. It will strengthen the democratic and political culture,” she said.

“In the past, the United States would support dictatorships, but now it is supporting democratic forces, which is a sign of encouragement for all the democracy-loving people,” she added.

Both former prime ministers have registered to stand as candidates in the parliamentary elections due to be held on January 8. President Musharraf is set to take step down as army chief tomorrow before taking an oath as a civilian president on Thursday.

Last week, the Supreme Court rubber-stamped General Musharraf’s victory in an October 6 presidential election, clearing the way for him to serve a further five years in office.

The basis of the deal, which enabled Mr. Sharif, a strong ally of Saudi Arabia, to return home, has not been disclosed. It is as yet unknown whether King Abdullah foisted him on General Musharraf against the military ruler’s will.

Mr. Sharif’s presence throws Pakistan’s political power struggle wide open with the opposition divided as to whether to boycott the general elections.