By IRNA
Islamabad : Major political parties in Pakistan on Thursday agreed to form coalition governments in the center and provinces, leaders of two major parties said.
“We intend to be together in the parliament. We will strengthen democracy,” Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif said at a joint press conference.
Zardari and Sharif had a 2-hour first formal discussion on the formation of governments and they agreed in principle to form governments in the center and provinces.
The two leaders also agreed to work out plan for the restoration of sacked judges.
“We do not foresee any problems in forming government together in center here and in the provinces,” Nawaz Sharif said.
“We will work together to form government in the center and of course in provinces,” he insisted.
Zardari also said, “In principle we agree to stay together”.
Sharif said that both sides agreed that they will accept each other’s mandate.
“We agreed to complete the five year term”.
He said that the wining parties do not need any help from Musharraf in government formation.
“We are fighting against dictatorship and will continue struggle.” About the restoration of judges, Nawaz Sharif said it will be priority to restore judiciary.
He said the issue was discussed with Zardari and his party as well.
“In principle there is no disagreement on the restoration of the Judiciary we will work out the modalities in the parliament,” Nawaz Sharif said in a short statement.
The PML-N leader said he respects PPP’s mandate, whole heartedly.
“I told Mr Zardari we will be supporting his government in Islamabad we will ensure that it completes its five years. We will not create any problem in the provinces and center.”
To a question about the fate of President Musharraf, the PML-N leader said, “The nation has given out its verdict. Words are clear from nook and corner of Pakistan”.
He said President Musharraf should accept the mandate of the people.
“I have a policy on Musharraf. I had been saying that Musharraf should accept the verdict as early as possible. It is better for him”.
Sharif said that Musharraf should go today.
“We have also decided on charter of democracy to implement in letter and spirit”.
Nawaz Sharif said that all members-elect will take oath under the constitution.
Zardari said that he is looking for government of national consensus. “We are hoping that parliament will solve all problems.
The parliament shall have the powers”.
He added that he is looking for a broader government, but added that he does not believe pro-Musharraf forces now exist.
“We are trying to solve the problems in Pakistan.
All issues are open to debate. Issues facing Pakistan can be solved by the political forces”.
“We have to have a political solution to Balochistan and the issue of provincial autonomy.
There is a lot of room to work together”.
Zardari said that the first resolution on the order of the day in the National Assembly would be a request to the UN to help Pakistan in uncovering the motives behind the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Asked if he will take part in bye-elections, Zardari said the “Party will decide if I should take part in the bye-election or not. Running party is much important”.
Sharif said that the two sides also agreed to restore the constitution and the issue of article 58-2-b will be taken care off which empowers the President to dissolve the National Assembly.
To a question Zardari said that his government will resolve the insurgency in Balochistan.
He recalled that Benazir Bhutto had visited Balochistan with intention to find out solution to the problem.
He also said his government will give all freedom to the media to keep a check on the government.