PML-N refuses to join Pak Govt., but offers outside support

Lahore, May 3 (ANI): The Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz have decided to remain coalition partners in Punjab, while both have failed to reach a consensus on joining the federal government.

During a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday, The PML-N expressed its reluctance to become a coalition partner at the Centre. It, however, reassured the PPP of its 'unconditional' support without becoming part of the federal government.

The PML-N said it would continue to struggle for strengthening the democratic system, and both leaders agreed to respect each other's mandate at the Centre and in Punjab, The News reports.

Earlier, Shahbaz Sharif had invited the PPP to return to the cabinet in the Punjab.

After a meeting of PPP's senior leaders, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari offered the PML-N to return to the federal government.

However, the PML-N once again stuck to its stance of staying away from 'power sharing' at the Centre, and assured the PPP of continuing its unconditional support to the government without becoming its part.

According to the sources, most PPP members opposed the return of the PPP to the Punjab government, unless the PML-N returned at the Centre.

Meanwhile, Gilani and Sharif also discussed the current political situation of the country, including the issue of terrorism and the strategy to combat it.

Gilani assured the PML-N president of convening the APC as per the demand of Nawaz Sharif and taking all the political forces onboard to address the challenges faced by the Federation. (ANI)