LAHORE, Feb 12: The PML-N has assured the PPP of its support in the process of forming government without seeking a share in power, well-placed sources in both parties say.

The assurance was made by PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari who had called on him on Tuesday evening.

The sources quoted Mr Sharif as telling his guest that the PML-N would extend support to the PPP in forming the government without seeking any share in ministries.

He said he had been supporting the PPP despite reservations of some leaders of his party and friends in other parties, the sources added.

Mr Sharif expressed the hope that the PPP would support his party’s stance on the issue of restoration of deposed judges and the implementation of the Charter of Democracy he and Benazir Bhutto had signed in London in 2006.

The sources said that the two leaders agreed that the elections would be considered as “rigged” if the PPP and PML-N did not “secure top two positions”.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Zardari promised to take along all democratic forces. He said he would continue to consult the PML-N leader and would meet again before the polls.

He said the PPP’s central executive committee would take a decision on relations with President Musharraf after the polls.

Mr Sharif, however, ruled out any possibility of his party sitting with President Musharraf. “Democratic forces will have to join hands for the restoration of the Constitution,” he added.

About differences between the two parties on the issue of restoration of judges, Mr Zardari said he was aware of the importance of a powerful judiciary but wanted to institutionalise it, instead of going after personalities. “We want to make the institutions so strong that no usurper could damage them.”

Mr Sharif said people could not afford to sacrifice the country for the sake of generals. “We have to decide either to save the country or allow generals to play their (political) role.”

Both the leaders said they had discussed what they called the “official rigging plan” and would exchange notes on the issue again so that a joint fight could be waged against the theft of people’s verdict.

The PML-N leader warned of a severe reaction if attempts were made to change the (electoral) results.

About seats adjustment, he said a decision on some of the seats had been taken when Ms Bhutto was alive, but now it was too late to take any further decision as the elections were round the corner.