Pakistan’s uneasy ruling coalition between the party of Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister, and that of Nawaz Sharif, her erstwhile rival, is facing mounting criticism for its failure to deal with pressing issues, five months after taking power.

Critics say the alliance is practically ignoring worsening political and economic conditions while it focuses on forcing out Pervez Musharraf, the pro-US president who built up his credentials as Washington’s main ally in fighting terrorism.