PML-N chief accuses Qureshi of telling lies

Despite persistent rumours that new PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif will return home after a 'deal' with the government, the director of the Inter-Services Press Relations and Press Secretary to President Pervez Musharraf, Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi, has again denied any "agreement" with Shahbaz.

"Shahbaz went to Saudi Arabia after agreeing along with his other family members to an exile deal under which they cannot return home for 10 years," Qureshi said. He also maintained that this condition "still remains in place and we will not allow it to be violated by Shahbaz Sharif or anyone else."

In an interview broadcast with a cable television network, Shahbaz challenged members of the regime to "come to the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah and say that Shahbaz left the country voluntarily." He accused the government spokesman of "telling lies on this and other matters."

Shahbaz's strong words suggest that he is now set to take on the military regime and could opt to do so after making an attempt to enter the country.

Apparently as an effort to prepare for this eventuality, cases involving Shahbaz are being re-opened. At present, Shahbaz has not been found guilty in any case of corruption or criminal activity.

However, cases against the Sharif family for corruption, including the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case, have been re-opened.

It has been reported that "indirect messages" have also been sent to Shahbaz, warning him of arrest if he returns home.