Disqualified Sharif terms SC verdict Zardari's 'edict'

Lahore, Feb.26 (ANI): Furious over the Supreme Court's decision to disqualify him from being a member of the Parliament, former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has termed the verdict 'an edict'.

"This is not a court decision but an edict and the entire nation knows where this edict came from," The Daily Times quoted Sharif, as saying.

Talking to media persons after the apex court's verdict, he accused President Asif Ali Zardari of gambling over the issue.

"He (Zardari) offered Shahbaz (Nawaz Sharif's brother) a 'business deal', asking Shahbaz to recognise the incumbent chief justice of the Supreme Court in exchange for a decision in our favour," he said.

He charged Zardari of not willing to establish an independent judiciary system in the country, as it could lead to dismantling of the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

Sharif said that the people of Pakistan will not forgive Zardari, and urged the whole country to voice their discontentment over the issue.

"I think the nation will have to rise against such actions," he added.

Sharif has called a meeting of senior party leaders today to discuss the future course of action.(ANI)