ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s uneasy coalition partners discussed who should be the next president yesterday as militant violence added to a sense of urgency for them to get down to tackling security and economic problems.

Insecurity, combined with uncertainty over the future of the government and worry about the economy, has undermined investor confidence and sent the country’s financial markets on a downward spiral.

Investors and allies had hoped the resignation of Pervez Musharraf as president on Monday would end wrangling but the main coalition parties have been unable to settle a dispute over the judiciary that threatens to end their alliance. Another divisive issue is likely to be the next president. The party of murdered former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, which leads the coalition, wants Bhutto’s widower, Asif Ali Zardari, to become president. He is expected to make a decision on standing this weekend.

A presidential election by members of the country’s four provincial assemblies and the national parliament will be held on September 6. — Reuters.

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