LAHORE, Nov 26: Federal Law Minister Wasi Zafar has said that there is no threat to the life of PPP leader Asif Zardari but the government is prepared to provide him security if he so wishes.

Talking to newsmen after the anti-corruption conference, he welcomed Mr Zardari's statement that he was prepared to reconcile between Benazir Bhutto and the government. He said that the government was all for negotiations and it had never closed its doors for talks.

"We want to solve all political issues with the opposition through negotiations," he added. Replying to a question, the minister denied that Mr Zardari had been released from jail as a result of some deal with the government.

"There is no deal or any understanding but Mr Zardari has been released on bail on merit by the Supreme Court." He said that Mr Zardari had been released on bail only and not acquitted as cases against him were pending with courts for decisions.

Asked to comment on the opposition leaders' statements that general elections would be held next year, he said that no assembly elections would be held next year, as assemblies would complete their terms. However local government elections were scheduled to be held next year.

Replying to another question, the minister said that about 200 vacancies of civil judges would be filled through the Public Service Commission and not through any other means.