Turkish President asks Pak opposition Parties to contest elections

Islamabad, Dec 4 (UNI) Turkish President Abdullah Gul held meetings with opposition leaders of Pakistan here and encouraged them to participate in the political process.

Daily Times quoted sources in the political parties as saying that Mr Gul yesterdat met with Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif,Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan.

He told them that Turkey had at times undergone similar situations but it had exercised patience and turned over the corner.

Mr Gul also discussed the prevailing political situation, the forthcoming elections and relations between the two countries.

''The meetings were part of Mr Gul's efforts to help move Pakistan towards political stability,''officials said.

Mr Gul, who returned to Turkey on conclusion of his two-day visit last night, discussed with Ms Bhutto the current political situation, the forthcoming elections and relations between the two countries.

In his meeting with Mr Sharif, the Turkish president said he wanted to see a stable and prosperous Pakistan.

Mr Sharif insisted on restoration of the deposed judges of superior nd higher judiciary before the elections.

Talking to reporters at Jamat chief's residence, Mr Nawaz said he had informed the Turkish leader about Pakistan's current political situation.

He rejected the impression that Mr Gul was trying to mediate between the opposition and government.

UNI