Sharif predicts collapse of PPP government before completion of term

Islamabad, Sep 3 (UNI) Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party-led coalition government would not last long and may collapse before completing its tenure.

Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim league, which emerged as the second largest political party in February 18 election, had formed coalition government with the PPP.

However, it quit the government in August over differences on restoration of deposed judges and the PPP's unilateral decision to nominate its co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari as candidate in presidential elections slated for September 6.

Local media reports today quoted him as saying that he would not make any efforts in destabilising the government.

''The government will collapse much before completing its tenure if its leaders continue their policies of breaking promises and ignoring public issues,'' local media quoted him as saying.

Asked whether the army would interfere into Pakistani politics, the ex-premier said that he would not like to see the army meddle again in political issues.

He also ruled out any possibility of rejoining the coalition despite requests from the PPP, saying this is not possible.

About former President Pervez Musharraf's future, Mr Sharif said, ''I hold no personal vendetta against Musharraf. I am not keen on settling personal scores, but he should be taken to task for his wrongdoings.'' Musharraf, who came to power in October 1999 after ousting Sharif's government, stepped down on August 17 amid reports of his impeachment.

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