KARACHI, Dec 26: Ms Benazir Bhutto and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain met at a function in Dubai on Tuesday, according to sources in the two parties. The sources said the chiefs of the People’s Party and the Muslim League (Q) had a ‘chance meeting’ at a marriage ceremony of the daughter of Haji Abdul Razzaq, chariman of the ARY group of companies. The two leaders ‘exchanged pleasantries’ and inquired after each other.

A number of other political leaders, including Tehrik-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, also attended the event. Two thousand guests were present at the reception.

Sherry Rahman, PPP’s information secretary, confirmed that the meeting had taken place, but brushed aside speculations the meeting was the prelude to a deal between the government and the PPP. A spokesman for the ruling PML, spoke in the same vein.