ISLAMABAD, April 26: The Pakistan People’s Party has described the statement of President Pervez Musharraf made at a meeting with newspaper editors and columnists as “betrayal of his obsession with the Bhuttos and the PPP”.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, senator Farhatullah Babar said President Musharraf twice in the span of a week betrayed his obsession with the Bhuttos and the PPP.

“Last week at the formation commanders meeting the general betrayed how the ghost of Bhuttos haunted him. Instead of addressing the security concerns of the country, the general accused the PPP and Ms Bhutto of alleged corruption in independent power projects (IPPs).

Now at the meeting with newspaper editors the general condemned the PPP Parliamentarians for seeking guidance from outside, from Benazir Bhutto, the spokesman said, adding that as the genuine political leadership of Ms Bhutto had been forced into exile it is only natural that members elected on the strength of her leadership and the PPP look up to her for guidance and leadership.

Mr Babar said: “If Ishratul Ibad takes dictation from London that is acceptable to the general but if the PPP look up to Mohtarma for guidance that is anathema to him.”

He added: “If the conversation between Gen Musharraf and Colin Powell as reproduced in Bob Woodword’s book is to be believed then the General himself is exposed as taking dictation from foreign masters rather than from the leaders of Pakistan.”