Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf [Images] has said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had been asked by an 'eminent personality' to honour his commitment of not returning to the country before the end of his ten-year exile.

''Therefore, I also urge him to abide by the agreement,'' Musharraf told a gathering in the town of Pind Dadan Khan, south of Islamabad.

In a major setback to Musharraf last week, Pakistan's Supreme Court had allowed Sharif to return to the country.

Without naming Sharif, the Pakistan president said: ''He had entered into a written agreement with a very eminent personality, a great friend and well-wisher of Pakistan, and the said person has given him a message not to violate the agreement. He should also show character and not violate the agreement.''

According to Musharraf, Sharif had pleaded the 'eminent personality' to save him after a Sindh court awarded him a life sentence. Musharraf maintains that Sharif had gone on a ten-year exile willingly to avoid serving time in prison.

There was a need to improve the law and order situation in Pakistan before the general elections, said Musharraf. He added that it was vital for the nation to understand the threats facing it and develop political and national reconciliation.