PML-N gives PPP Aug 15 deadline to save coalition

Tue, Jul 22 01:58 PM

Islamabad, July 22 (PTI) Former premier Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N has told the Pakistan People's Party that it will remain in the ruling coalition only if concrete steps are taken by August 15 on four key issues, including the restoration of deposed judges and impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf. The two other issues the PML-N has taken up with the PPP are the implementation of the Charter of Democracy signed by the two parties in 2006 and a review of the policy for the war against terrorism.

The Charter of Democracy envisages wide-ranging political and constitutional reforms and the setting up of a panel to probe the 1999 Kargil conflict with India. The PML-N conveyed its demands in the wake of Nawaz Sharif announcing recently that he intended to have a "final" round of talks with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on resolving differences between the two parties.

"We are extremely disappointed with the performance of the coalition so far," a close aide of Sharif was quoted as saying by The News daily. The aide said Sharif had consulted key PML-N leaders and friends and made up his mind to leave the coalition if the present situation persists.

"This is an 'enough is enough-like' situation for the PML-N," the aide said, adding his party had "plainly conveyed its intention" to Zardari through emissaries. The PPP has been informed by the PML-N that the restoration of the judges deposed by Musharraf during last year's emergency tops the list of priorities.

The PPP has also been told that the impeachment of the President could not be delayed any more. PTI.

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