December 29, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 18, 1428

ISLAMABAD Dec 28: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has demanded postponement of Jan 8 elections, and warned that the holding of elections at this juncture could lead to disintegration of the country.

The PML-N chief, who will visit Larkana to offer condolences over the death of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, said on Friday the elections would have no credibility because of a boycott by all major political parties, and if President Musharraf went ahead with the elections, it would be handing over power to the ‘king’s party (PML-Q).

Talking to a group of newsmen here, Mr Sharif said he had started contacting leaders of opposition parties and would soon convene a conference of all parties to chalk out a future course of action.

He said his party had played a key role in convening the London APC in which the APDM was formed, and it would again do its best to untite the opposition.

He asked Gen Musharraf to step down to protect the integrity of the country and form a neutral government to conduct free and fair polls.

Mr Sharif and senior leaders of ANP will go to Larkana in a chartered plane to offer their condolences to Mr Asif Ali Zardari and other members of the Bhutto family.

Mr Sharif is also likely to discuss the current political situation with the PPP leaders who are in Larkana.

“When the country is in the grip of terrorism, fair and free polls are not possible under the present government and such elections will not be recognised by the international community,” the former prime minister said.

Mr Sharif blamed the government for its failure to provide adequate security to PPP chairperson.