ISLAMABAD, May 4: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) will ask Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto to desist from maintaining contacts with the government.

Speaking at a press conference, PML-N Secretary-General Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said though Benazir Bhutto had assured that she had no intention to strike a deal with Gen Pervez Musharraf, she would be asked to refrain from maintaining direct or indirect contact with the government in line with the spirit of the Charter of Democracy.

He said the ARD was an important alliance and the PPP its important component. He ruled out any threat to the alliance as a result of talks of a possible deal between PPP and the government.

PML-N Information Secretary Ahsan Iqbal and Vice-President Mushahidullah Khan were also present on the occasion.

He said in case of a PPP-government deal, the PML-N would not become part of it.

He said the PML-N would not accept Gen Musharraf as the president with or without uniform. He said the PML-N would impeach the president, if it was voted to power.

Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that under Article 22 of the Charter of Democracy, no party would solicit help of the army to come into power or to dislodge another party.

He said the PPP chairperson should desist from making statements that give an impression that her party would strike a deal with the government.

Responding to a question, Mr Jhagra said the Multi-Party Conference (MPC) plan was still intact and a new date for it would be announced shortly. He said the MPC had been postponed in the wake of the judicial crisis, as it was not wise to leave the arena open for the government at this crucial time.