Islamabad, Nov 12: Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has denied having consultations with former premier Benazir Bhutto on any kind of power-sharing deal.

Musharraf has also rejected the impression that Benazir could be the next Prime Minister of the country.

“How can you say before the elections that she would be the next prime minister? Who is telling you this? ” he questioned.

The Daily Times further quoted Musharraf as saying that the Pakistan’s rural areas would decide that who would be the country’s next Prime Minister.

Commenting on the reported popularity of Benazir, Musharraf said, “Only a couple of hundred people outside her residence and at barricades and rallies. This is not a test of anyone’s popularity. ”

When asked what would be the future political set up, he said, “If her (Bhutto’s) party wins, then she could be the Prime Minister, but that too depends on the position of other political parties. ”

Musharraf went on to say that the need of hour is to give equal opportunity to all the political parties in the forthcoming general elections, adding that it was up to the people to choose their future leadership.

The President has expressed hope that general election could be held before January 9 next year. (ANI)