Musharraf rules out return of exiled leaders

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf said he would not allow former premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif - his two main political rivals - to return to Pakistan to take part in forthcoming elections.

The announcement seems likely to deepen Pakistan's political crisis, in which the military leader faces accusations of authoritarianism as well as a growing challenge from Islamic extremists.

Musharraf was asked during an interview with the private Aaj television channel about the aspiration of Bhutto and Sharif to return to lead their parties in parliamentary elections due at the end of the year.

"No, they cannot return before elections," Musharraf said.