Nation disappointed over outcome of talks: Nawaz

12 May, 2008

The Chief of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Sharif expressed his disappointment over the failed outcome of the talks with the ruling coalition partner PPP on the issue of judiciary and said the entire nation feels unhappy over it.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, he said, "There is a deadlock which we have not been able to resolve despite our sincere efforts. I think every Pakistani is disappointed over the outcome of these talks.
"We have been holding these talks for the last one and a half month but these still remain inconclusive although we are committed through the Murree agreement that both parties will together pass a resolution to restore the judges. The judges have not been restored, which of course is disappointing."
Sharif said he would hold meetings on Monday in Pakistan of his party's both parliamentary and the Central Working Committee to take the members into confidence and decide the future action.
He said his party had worked till the last minute to keep the coalition intact besides reinstatement of the sacked judges but they could not reach any consensus.
"We want dignified and honourable return of the sacked judges."
The PML-N leader said in the Murree Declaration, it was agreed to restore the judges within 30 days and it was extended by 12 more days to reach some kind of a consensus decision.
Referring to his talks he had held earlier with the US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, Nawaz Sharif disclosed they had discussed bilateral issues. He said they did not discuss the judges issue. Nawaz said the meeting was held at the request of the official of the US State Department.
"We do not accept any decision of the USA on our national issues," he said in response to a question.
Soon after his talks with the media, the PML-N leader accompanied by Shahbaz Sharif and Khawaja Muhammad Asif left for the Heathrow Airport to depart for Pakistan at the end of their short stay in the British capital.

Read Comments