ISLAMABAD, April 18: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed strongly rebutted on Sunday speculations about President Pervez Musharraf becoming field marshal in order to retain his army uniform while holding the office of president.

He described it as a baseless rumour, nothing but a figment of some people's imagination. It had nothing to do with reality, he said. The minister said: "I once again tell you with full responsibility that the president will not take any step in violation of the 17th amendment."

Responding to a question about the possibility of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif returning home, Sheikh Rashid said he had gone abroad under an agreement and he could return only under a similar arrangement.

Answering another question he said the government was issuing interim permission for cross-media ownership but a final decision would only be taken after a bill to be tabled in parliament was passed.

About the 7th Wage Board Award, the minister said the matter had been taken up with the All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS). The government, he said, was trying to settle the matter through talks.