Nawaz offers to support Zardari

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Thursday offered to withdraw its presidential nominee in favour of Asif Zardari provided the PPP restores the deposed judges and repeals 17th amendment ahead of September 6 presidential election.

Well-placed sources told TheNation that the offer was made during an important meeting of PPP leaders Syed Khurshid Shah and Mian Manzoor Wattoo with PML-N leaders Ch Nisar Ali Khan and Ishaq Dar.

Informed sources said that they had discussed the overall political situation in the country with special reference to the presidential election, adding other issues that had figured in the meeting were restoration of the deposed judges, abolition of 58-2(b) and moves for strengthening parliamentary system.

Both sides assured each other of their cooperation in strengthening the parliamentary system in the country.   

In a related development, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif chaired an important parliamentary party meeting held at the Punjab House Thursday and discussed evolving political situation in the country.

Party sources said that a number of issues were discussed during the meeting including impending presidential election, restoration of the deposed judges and undemocratic policy of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer towards the PML-N led government in the province.

Addressing the meeting, Nawaz rejected the request of Pakistan People's Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari to withdraw PML-N candidate, Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui.