Sharif denies knowing about Kargil operation

At a press conference in London with his once bitter rival Benazir Bhutto, the former PM says that there is no truth in Musharraf's assertions on Kargil operation.

Contesting Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's claim that he was aware of the Kargil operation, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said there was no truth in such assertions.

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At a press conference here with his once bitter rival Benazir Bhutto, he also maintained that Pakistan's relations has always improved under democratic leadership.

"Musharraf has mis-stated facts when he said the Prime Minister was aware of the Kargil operation beforehand.

This is absolutely wrong and I have said it once and I say it again and I will say it repeatedly. So, there is no truth in the assertions and statements of Musharraf or the contents in his book," Sharif said.

Sharif, who has been in exile ever since Musharraf ousted him in October 1999, pitched for "democratic leadership" on both sides.

"Relation with India has always improved under democratic leadership on both sides," Sharif said.

"When I was the Prime Minister, Mr (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee came to Pakistan on a state visit and he said very good things about Pakistan and a very good beginning was made when we signed the Lahore declaration," he said.