Jamali refuses to withdraw resignation

Islamabad, May 23 (UNI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who resigned from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) over differences with the party leadership, has refused to withdraw his resignation despite meeting President Pervez Musharraf.

''Mr Jamali, with tears in his eyes during the meeting with President Musharraf, refused to take back his resignation following his differences with party head Chaudhry Shujat Hussain,'' The Nation quoted sources privy to his meeting with General Musharraf.

The former prime minister, who had tendered his resignation on Monday from the basic party membership of the PML in its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, deliberately avoided taking part in the second day of the CEC at the Prime Minister's House yesterday.

''There are indications that Mr Jamali's resignation may be accepted by Chaudhry Shujat,'' the sources said, while referring to the discussions held in the CEC meeting.

Mr Jamali, who had resigned in 2005 as Prime Minister to pave way for his Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz to assume the office, presented a four-page charge-sheet against Chaudhry Shujat to the President.

He was, however, not available for comments.

According to sources, Mr Jamali expressed his reservations against Chaudhry Shujat, who according to him, had been ignoring him not only in the party decision-making, but also giving PML membership to his (Mr Jamali's) political opponents belonging to his constituency.

UNI