ISLAMABAD, Dec 18: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Shairf said on Thursday that his party stood for independence of the judiciary, repeal of the 17th Amendment and rule of law.

Talking to a TV channel, the former prime minister urged the government to implement the ‘Charter of Democracy signed by him and the late Benazir Bhutto.

He said the situation would have been better if the charter had been implemented.

Replying to a question, he said the PML-N would continue its democratic struggle to repeal the 17th Amendment and he hoped that the government will fulfil its commitment.

He said that before seeking repeal of the amendment in parliament, his party would remind the government of its commitment to implement the Charter of Democracy and the Murree accord to put the country on the right track.

“Parliament will be the focus of our struggle and we have no plan of agitation because it would destabilise the system,” he said.

He said Pakistan was presenting a picture of a failed and ungovernable state and the opposition wanted to steer the country out of the crisis.

He said the problems faced by the country could be overcome if the government followed the Murree accord in letter and spirit.

“Our party does not want ministries and I do not want any high post. We want the PPP-led government to complete its five-year tenure in accordance with its mandate.”

In reply to a question, Mr Sharif said the government was not responsible for the worsening situation, rather blunders of former president Pervez Musharraf had made the country ungovernable.

He said it was necessary to draw a roadmap to determine the direction for the country and make it a successful state. He said it was the responsibility of all stakeholders to compel the government to follow the roadmap.

He opposed appointment of judges on ad hoc basis and on political grounds and said that judges of superior courts should be appointed in accordance with the Charter of Democracy.Replying to another question, he said the next chainman of the Senate should be elected through the legal and constitutional procedure.

He said Indian press had played an irresponsible role by blaming Pakistan for the Mumbai attacks.

He, however, criticised the clarification given by Pakistan’s leadership for violation of the country’s airspace by Indian jets.

He said India should have shared intelligence with Pakistan instead of going to the UN Security Council.—APP

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