Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif. — Photo by APP

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Monday said he had contacted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani three days ago to ease the political tensions between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and to refocus on issues confronting the public, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, Shahbaz said he had contacted Prime Minister Gilani on directions from PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Shahbaz said he advised Prime Minister Gilani to call a conference to devise solutions confronting the country.

Shahbaz said a conference with such an objective should not only be attended by the leadership of all political parties, but the military and the judiciary should also be invited to participate so that their input can be used when developing strategies to solve national issues.