Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister, and co-chairman of her Pakistan People’s party (PPP), is emerging as the frontrunner to become the country’s next president after receiving the support of a key opposition party.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan’s high commissioner to the UK, told the Financial Times on Wednesday that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Pakistan’s second-largest opposition party, had decided to back Mr Zardari. “They feel that Mr Zardari will be the best candidate for the country. He will keep the federation together and promote harmony as well as national unity,” said Mr Hasan.