ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of Yousuf Raza Gilani’s disqualification from the premier's office by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, President Asif Ali Zardari disregarded the option of early general elections and said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will announce the name of new the  prime minister after National Assembly's session on Friday.

The meeting of coalition partners of the government was held at the President House.

President Zardari recommended the names of Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Hina Rabbani Khar and Khursheed Shah for the premier's office in front of the members of the meeting, sources said.

Earlier, it was hinted that Mukhtar might be nominated for the premier's office but consensus was not reached as Pakistan Muslim League- Q's ( PML-Q)  had reservations on it.

Makhdoom Shahabuddin came out to be the strongest candidate as yet, out of the options proposed by the president.

The coalition leaders advised Zardari to avoid the conflict with the judiciary and accept the decision of the apex court.

The participants of the meeting also agreed to summon a National Assembly’s session on Friday to decide on the appointment a new prime minister.

Gilani's remarks

Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that the apex court went beyond its domain of authority and made an unconstitutional move by removing him from the prime minister’s office.

“I have accepted the verdict in the wider interest of the country,” Gilani added.