Nawaz Sharif gives Gilani 72 hour ultimatum

Islamabad, Jan 5: With the pathetic situation in Pakistan due to internal strife and rising tensions from external forces. The pressure was heightened further when Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has given a 72 hour ultimatum to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to agree to key reforms, or face expulsion from the government in Punjab province.

Addressing a press conference after chairing the PML-N's Central Organising Committee's meeting, Nawaz said the government must reverse the price hike, cut government expenditures by 30 percent and implement a series of court verdicts against ruling party officials for corruption.

The PML-N chief said that he was putting forward a shorter form of the PML-N's agenda to the government for implementation within 45 days keeping in view the government's weakness.

"If the government after accepting our agenda fails to implement it by February 20, the PML-N will oust the PPP from the Punjab government," the Daily Times quoted Nawaz, as saying.

He said that the Prime Minister must accept the demands within 72 hours and show progress within 45 days.

He also emphasized that if the government failed to translate the PML-N's proposed agenda into reality by February 20, the PML-N would take other opposition parties on board on the same agenda.

"If other opposition parties do not agree or commit with us on our agenda, a stronger government would be needed through fresh mandate to implement it," Nawaz said.

"We have decided to give a three-day ultimatum to the PM to either say 'yes' or 'no' to our proposed interim agenda. If the prime minister accepts our demands, the government will have to implement it within 45 days and the PML-N would support him in its execution," he added.

ANI