A statement from the Prime Minister House mentioned a news report by a foreign news agency that Prime Minister Gilani spoke to British High Commissioner Adam Thomson last week seeking British help topreempt a coup.

The spokesman said "the Prime Minister has not spoken to theBritish High Commissioner in this regard and the story is totallyunfounded."

The spokesman said the democratic government led by PrimeMinister Gilani draws its strength from the people of Pakistan and not from any foreign power.