ISLAMABAD, Aug 24: A federal government spokesman has drawn attention to a news item published in certain sections of the press quoting Mr Alan Perry, solicitor for the government, saying at a press conference held on Friday at the Pakistan high commission in London that "neither Benazir Bhutto nor her husband Asif Zardari were party to the purchase of the Surrey Palace".

According to an official press release, in a written statement received from London, Mr Alan Perry has said: "Contrary to press reports, I did not say at the Pakistan high commission press conference in London on Friday, August 20, that 'neither Benazir Bhutto nor her husband Asif Zardari were party to the purchase of the Surrey Palace'.

On the contrary, I said that in my presence Mr Zardari's counsel told the court on Monday, August 16, that he, Asif Ali Zardari, was indeed the beneficial owner (of Rockwood properties).

The court's recording on CD proves this. Mr Aycock, counsel for Mr Zardari, said, 'Yes Your Honour, my instructions are as follows on behalf of Mr Zardari who is the beneficial owner of the Rockwood properties held by these three Manx (Isle of Man) companies'."