Mush's spokesman denies ultimatum by Bhutto

Islamabad, Aug 30: A spokesman for Pakistan's beleaguered military ruler Pervez Musharraf has denied any pressure on the President from PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto to finalize a deal in 48 hours that would see him relinquish office of the army chief.

Bhutto, who served as prime minister twice from 1988 to 1990 and from 1993 to 1996, went in to self exile in 1998 after she was booked in several cases of corruption.

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She told several British newspapers that the deal was 80-90 per cent final and the government must finalize and announce it in the next 48 hours.

"General Pervaz Musharraf has not received any ultimatum by PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto to decide within two days about retaining the post of Army Chief," presidential spokesman Major General (Retd) Rashid Qureshi said in a statement.

He was asked to comment on media reports emanating from London that the Presidential aides have been conveyed the ultimatum during their talks with the PPP leader.

"The President believes in dialogue and deliberations on all important national issues but never works under any pressure or ultimatum," Major Gen Qureshi said.

He added that the President would take all decisions only in national interest at appropriate time according to the constitution and the law.

UNI