ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Ahsan Iqbal has denied reports of a meeting between PML-N leadership and government functionaries in London. He termed the reports part of a disinformation campaign launched by the government.

In a statement issued here before his departure for London on Tuesday, Mr Iqbal said if the PML-N wanted secret talks with Gen Musharraf it would not have adopted the judicial course.

Mr Iqbal said the PML-N had adopted the judicial process because it believed in transparent politics and wanted to see rule of law prevail in Pakistan. He said senior leaders of the party would meet PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday to finalise the date and place of the Sharif brothers’ arrival in Pakistan.

Mr Iqbal said after the Supreme Court’s verdict, there was no doubt about the return of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif. “They will return in the second week of September and lead the nation’s struggle for restoration of democracy,” he said, adding that all countries respected the verdict of courts and, therefore, there was no issue of any brotherly country pressing anyone against the decision of the court.

Without naming the PPP, the PML-N leader said those indulging in secret deals with the military rulers would pay a heavy price in next elections. He said those talking about martial law were enemies of the state and army. They wanted to see direct confrontation between military and the people, he added.

Mr Iqbal said Pakistan could not remain hostage to one man’s endless desire for power. “The time has come to break the legacy of the past and put the country on strong foundations of supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law and undiluted democracy,” he said.

Mr Iqbal was of the view that controversial presidential and general elections would plunge the country into a deep political crisis and fair and free elections had become critical for Pakistan’s future. “Therefore, next elections will take place without Gen Musharraf,” he said.