PML-N says no to Gilani's offer to join cabinet for democracy's sake'

Islamabad, Apr. 13 (ANI): The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has said that it would prefer to be an opposition party at the centre "in democracy's interest."

"The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) will not work to destabilize the federal government and will act as constructive opposition," the Dawn quoted PML-N spokesman Siddiqul Farooq, as saying.

"We will cooperate with the government on all important issues but we do not want to join the government. However, the final decision on this will be taken by Nawaz Sharif," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had formally invited the PML-N to join the federal cabinet.

Meanwhile, PML-N workers have asked their top leaders to play the role of an opposition in the centre rather than joining the federal cabinet.

The Punjab Chief Minister's Special Advisor, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, confirmed that PML-N bosses were under pressure from their workers not to join the PPP government at the centre.

"Shahbaz Sharif forwarded the prime minister's invitation to Raiwind for a response from Nawaz Sharif, who is urging President Asif Ali Zardari to doff the powers he exercises under the 17th Amendment," he said.

Critics say it is unlikely the party will share the benches with the PPP. (ANI)