LAHORE, June 20: Despite having differences with the PPP over modalities for reinstatement of the deposed judges, the PML-N will support the Finance Bill seeking an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges from the present 16 to 29.

Briefing the media after over four hours of talks between PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari at the former’s residence here on Friday, PML-N leader Khwaja Mohammad Asif said his party would not oppose any part of the bill.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters at a function in the evening, Mr Sharif said he wanted restoration of the judges through a resolution and that their seniority must remain as it was on Nov 2, 2007. He regretted that the pre-emergency judiciary could not be restored despite the passage of four months.

Khwaja Asif said differences between the two coalition partners over modalities for impeachment of President Musharraf and reinstatement of the deposed judges still persisted and more rounds of talks would be held.

“Had there been any breakthrough on the two issues, Mr Sharif and Mr Zardari themselves would have informed the media about the details,” he added.

The new round of negotiations, he said, would be held next month after Mr Zardari returned from abroad on July 2.

Justifying the need for more talks, he said the two leaders had to consult with their respective parties as well as with other allies, including Asfandyar Wali’s ANP and Fazlur Rehman’s JUI, on important issues.

In reply to a question about the finalisation of a candidate to replace President Musharraf, he said the issue would be taken up after the Presidency was vacated.

About rejoining of the federal cabinet by the PML-N, he reiterated his party’s stance that the decision would be taken only after the reinstatement of judges.

It was the second meeting between the two leaders over the past three days. The first meeting, which lasted for about three hours, was held on Wednesday.