RAWALPINDI, March 10: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid has said that talks with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto will be held after her return from the United States.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday in the Fatima Jinnah Women University, he said the Pakistan People Party (PPP) had contacted the government for talks, but the dialogue would be held after Benazir?s return from the US.

The minister said there was no pressure from the US for deal with the PPP. The country was facing gigantic challenges, which should be addressed with courage, he added.

In reply to a question, he said Mian Nawaz Sharif had not contacted the government for getting passport. Asked if Asif Ali Zardari would be arrested on his return, he said no.

About a sudden visit of former prime minister and president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain to London, the minister said he was not aware of his tour.

Earlier, addressing a ceremony held in the university, Sheikh Rashid said that he was very pleased that his dream of spreading education in his constituency had been fulfilled. He said that his target of education had been achieved. Now his eyes were on the health sector. He said a new hospital was being built at a cost of one billion rupees.?PPI