The Central Working Committee (CEC) of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Wednesday authorised party leader Nawaz Sharif to take final decision with regard to boycotting the January 8, 2008 elections. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Nawaz Sharif at his Model Town residence.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Raja Zafarul Haq, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Iqbal Zafar Jhaggra, Makhdoom Javaid Hashmi, Tehminal Doultana, Khawaja Saad Rafique and Sardar Zulifqar Ali Khosa.
Nawaz Sharif told newsmen after the meeting, which lasted for about over five hours, that although his party has authorised him to take decision for boycotting the general elections, but he would take the final decision in consultation with the APDM leaders and Benazir Bhutto. 'We want to take a unanimous decision so that objectives could be achieved', he added. He welcomed the offer of Benazir Bhutto for holding talks on the issue of boycotting the polls.
He said: 'We want restoration of judiciary on November 2, position and rolling back of all the steps taken by Pervez Musharraf on November 3'. He was of the view that there was no legal or constitutional status of becoming President by Pervez Musharraf. He also criticised the government for imposing restrictions on media.