PPP, PML-N differ only in procedure of judiciary's restoration, say party leaders

Lahore, Mar 8 : On the eve of the crucial meeting between PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif to finalise the power-sharing formula ahead of the formation of the coalition government, the two parties have said that there were no differences between them on of restoration of judges, including the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chowdhary.

Zardari and Sharif are scheduled to meet today to finalise the alliance. In the recent weeks media reports have suggested that the two parties had differences over the issue of restoration of judges. While the PML-N wants restoration of judges, the PPP is averse to the idea.

Leaders of the two parties, however, admitted of having differences over the procedure and timeframe for the restoration of judiciary to the pre-November 3 position. They also said that there were major issues to be resolved before finalising the power-sharing formula in the coalition set up.

"We are successfully holding meetings on the method of restoring the judiciary as PML-N wants to restore the judges through passing a resolution from the National Assembly with a simple majority but the PPP has a different point of view," the Daily Times quoted PML-N National Assembly member Khawaja Muhammad Asif as saying.

However, he hinted that the PPP wanted amendments in the law to restore the judges.

Nevertheless, he added that dialogue between the two parties was proceeding smoothly and the matter would be resolved within a few days or before the National Assembly session was convened.

Meanwhile, Zardari's spokesman Farhatullah Babar also did not offer details on the differences or dialogue taking place between the two parties, but said that the discussions were proceeding satisfactorily.

The two party leaders said there was no chance of a PPP-PML-Q coalition taking shape since the PPP and PML-N were committed to their announced coalition government. The specifics of the arrangement would, however, be announced after these matters were resolved, they added.

ANI