Deposed Pakistani judges to be restored on May 12: Sharif

Lahore, May 2 (UNI) Pakistan's coalition government will restore deposed judges through a parliamentary resolution on May 12, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said.

''The judges will be restored on May 12,'' Mr Sharif told a press conference in Lahore a day after a major breakthrough in his talks with Asif Zardari, his fellow leader in the coalition and widower of slain Benazir Bhutto, in the Gulf state of Dubai.

He said a resolution would be passed in the National Assembly on May 12 followed by issuance of an official notification and restoration of judges, deposed illegally and unconstitutionally by President Musharraf on November 3.

The president had sacked 60 judges including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry after they refused to take fresh oath following imposition of emergency in the country.

He also hinted at retaining the judges, who were brought in by Pervez Musharraf.

''We had our reservations but Asif Zardari insisted on retaining these judges,'' he said while describing Gen (Retd) Musharraf as illegal and unconstitutional president.

''It was the darkest day in Pakistan's history when Musharraf deposed these judges,'' Mr Sharif said while terming Gen (Retd) Musharraf's presence in the presidency as an insult to the nation, which gave a verdict against him in February 18 elections.

He said that a committee of legal experts has been formed to further look into the matter and in case of any deadlock, they will consult their leaders.

Mr Sharif said that coalition of Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League (N) will remain intact. ''We believe this alliance guarantees survival of the country,'' he added.

The two parties had signed a declaration at the hill resort of Bhurban on March 9 and agreed to sharing power in the centre and the provinces and to restore judges through a parliamentary resolution within thirty days of forming the government.

UNI XC RJ KP2016