Musharraf ready to meet Benazir, Nawaz

President Pervez Musharraf Musharraf is prepared to meet both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto together or separately, provided they desire to do so.

Islamabad, Dec 3 : President Pervez Musharraf Musharraf is prepared to meet both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto together or separately, provided they desire to do so.

Replying to a question, Musharraf's media advisor Major General (retired) Rashid Qureshi said that both Bhutto and Sharif were not required to talk to the government for that matter with Musharraf.

"They can meet Musharraf any time by expressing their desire for the same," Qureshi said.

"Musharraf and Bhutto did not have a one-to-one meeting since the latter returned home but they can meet any time provided the lady asks for a meeting," he said.

He refused to answer a question on the meeting between Bhutto and Sharif on Monday, and said no true political leader would want to stay away from the election process.

Commenting on Musharraf's decision to distance himself from the PML-Q in order to send a message that he would remain neutral, Qureshi said the President was equal for all.

Being the head of the state, he would try to be equal with all to the extent possible. If he had any affiliation with some one in the past, it does not affect his present objectivity, he added.

Commenting on Bhutto's assertion about terrorists reaching Swat and Kahuta, Qureshi said she had revealed her ignorance by mentioning Kahuta.

Musharraf is gathering reports from the government about complaints surfacing from time-to-time about arrangements for the election, sources said.

He intends to make the elections free and fair so that all stakeholders should have confidence in the process, The News reported.

ANI