Pakistan will offer an amnesty to all politicians facing corruption charges from the period between 1985 and 1999, preparing the way for General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s president, to forge a power-sharing deal with Benazir Bhutto, the former premier.

The proposed amnesty marks Gen Musharraf’s second substantial concession to political opponents in a matter of days. It follows his pledge to quit as army chief by November 15 if he is re-elected president on Saturday.