'I don't need US support to come to power,' says Sharif

Islamabad, May 9 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said he does not need the support of the United States to claim power in Pakistan.

"I have no intention to come into power with the support of the US or the Army," The Nation quoted Sharif, as saying.

In an interview to a private television channel, Sharif said he would never seek help from Washington or the country's army to come to power once again, adding there was no harm if the Army helps promote democracy.

He asserted that neither he nor his party would form a national government on the dictates of the United States.

"My party wants good relations with the US, but on the basis of sovereign equality," Sharif said.

In the recent past, media reports have claimed that the United States is reaching out to Sharif more than ever before.Some Obama administration officials' think that Sharif's close ties with Islamists in Pakistan could be useful in helping the Zardari government confront the stiffening challenge posed by Taliban insurgents.The move also reflects the heightened concern within the Obama administration about the survivability of the Zardari government.

A report in The Times magazine claims that the Americans are quietly urging fo Sharif to join the Pakistan Government. (ANI)