PML-N pulls out of Pakistan's ruling coalition

Islamabad, August 25 : Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif told media today that he is parting ways with the ruling coalition led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

He also announced Justice (Retired) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui as the presidential candidate of PML-N.

Sharif made an official announcement during a press conference. He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Justice (Retd.) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq and other PML-N leaders.

"After thorough deliberations and keeping all the recent developments into view the party (PML-N) has decided to split with the ruling coalition," The News quoted PML-N Chief as saying.

He said, "PPP disillusioned" him and his party mainly on the judges issue.

Sharif also presented a copy of the agreement made with the PPP outlining the steps regarding the impeachment of the president and restoration of the judges.

He said while in exile he and Benazir Bhutto had met several times outside the country and agreed on establishing democracy and putting an end to dictatorship in Pakistan.

Sharif said a number of agreements were made on various matters between the two leaders, which were later given a name of Charter of Democracy. Agreements were also made in Murree to maintain and continue this cooperation, he added.

"We assured Asif Zardari of support without even receiving any ministry but he forced us into getting ministries and our ministers took oath of their office from the (then) president Musharraf despite having reservations," Sharif said.

He said under the agreement between PPP and PML-N, the judges were to be restored after impeachment or resignation of former president Pervez Musharraf. But we are still waiting for it despite President Musharraf's resignation on August 18.

"Facing severe internal and external pressure, I wrote a detailed letter to Co-chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari and allowed him time to ensure implementation on the agreements," Nawaz said. "But Zardari in an interview said agreements are not Holy Qur'an or Hadith which cannot be changed."

ANI