President's advice to Bhutto only a suggestion, nothing more:Qureshi

Islamabad, Oct 13 (UNI) President Pervez Musharraf's advice to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to delay her arrival in Pakistan is only a suggestion and should not be seen more than that, President's spokesman and press secretary Maj Gen (Retd) Rashid Qureshi said.

''It has been put forth in a bid to promote harmonious atmosphere in the country,'' he told the Dawn yesterday.

Meanwhile, a message has been conveyed to Ms Bhutto to delay her arrival till the final verdict of the Supreme Court which is scheduled to hear the petition filed by Justice Wajihuddin challenging President Musharraf's eligibility for the presidential election from October 17.

President Musharraf wants free, fair and transparent elections in the country, he added.

Regarding negotiations with the Pakistan Peoples Party, he said it should not be termed a deal rather it should be called a communication, as there has been interaction between the President and all political parties and that sort of interaction continues.

Ms Bhutto had set the date of her return to Pakistan as October 18, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging President Musharraf's candidacy from October 17.

UNI