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Islamabad: The exiled former prime minister and chairperson of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Benazir Bhutto yesterday denied any US role in the ongoing negotiations with the government of President Pervez Musharraf for restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
Talking to private television news channel Geo, Benazir Bhutto said some politicians who have no public support are trying to create such type of impression, but it's totally wrong.
"The visit of American diplomats to Islamabad should not be linked with our negotiations with the government because these visits are routine business as Pakistan is a key ally in America's war against terror," she elaborated.
Smear campaign
Replying to a question, former prime minister said it's a smear campaign that is being carried on by fearful political leaders, who have no standings in the masses.
The PPP chairperson also denied that she was under any pressure from the US to strike a deal with Musharraf.
"No, Pakistanis are very well aware of the fact that PPP does not believe in such tactics to gain power, our party believes in masses and their support," she added.
"The PPP has faith in its followers and believes in people's power, so we have no need to try back channels for political gains," Bhutto said.
Transparent polls
"We have made it clear that we are talking to the government to ensure free, fair and transparent elections managed by an independent Election Commission and a consensus caretaker government," Bhutto said, adding that PPP will never vote for a uniformed president and will never back Musharraf's re-election as president from the current assemblies.
"Our party have presented historical sacrifices for the establishment of democracy and rule of law in Pakistan and would continue struggle until the goal is achieved," she said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) spokesman Farhatullah Babar yesterday reacted cautiously to former premier Nawaz Sharif's deportation, saying that it was a matter between Nawaz, his guarantors and the courts.
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