ISLAMABAD, Aug 6: Information Minister Nisar A. Memon on Tuesday rejected outright reports of any deal with Benazir Bhutto and Shahbaz Sharif and dismissed the impression that the government had any “favourites” for the October 10 polls.

“The government of President Musharraf does not believe in any deals,” the minister stated while talking to reporters at a book launching ceremony here.

“The government has not made any deal with Benazir Bhutto or Shahbaz Sharif,” he said.

Memon said Benazir Bhutto and Shahbaz Sharif could return any time they wanted as they were citizens of this country.

He, however, pointed out that government did not force Benazir Bhutto to leave the country, she went into exile on her own will.

Similarly, the minister said, corruption cases against her were registered during the previous regime.

The information minister made it clear that Ms Bhutto would have to face cases registered against her, when she returns. “Law will take its own course”.

About Shahbaz Sharif, the minister said he was sent abroad under an ‘arrangement’ and hinted that government would take action if he violates that arrangement.

The minister observed that “everyone was allowed to return but the rule of law remains supreme and no one was above it.” He also dispelled the impression that government had any “favourites” for the upcoming elections.

The minister said those holding such views might be referring to people who were supporting the government’s policies. He said supporting or opposing government’s policies was part of any political system.

To a question he said the special joint meeting of the Cabinet and National Security Council, presided over by the president, was held to review the feedback on the proposed constitutional amendments.

The meeting, he said, took stock of the views that have emerged after the consultative meetings the president held with political parties, intellectuals, academia, and others.

These proposed amendments would now be reviewed and finalized in the light of the feedback; the president himself would announce the decision. Answering a question, the minister said the political process continued during the three-years of the present government.—APP