September 21, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 20, 1429

ATTOCK, Sept 20: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said his party respects the mandate of the Pakistan People’s Party at the centre and expects reciprocity on the part of the latter in Punjab to strengthen political stability and democracy.

This was stated by him, while talking to mediapersons at Shadi Khan village here on Saturday. On the occasion, other PML-N leaders, including Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Ishaq Dar, were also present.

Mr Sharif said he saw no threat to the PML-N government in Punjab and that “elements conspiring against it would fail in their designs”.

He said the provincial government under Shahbaz Sharif was trying to provide basic amenities of life to the people.

“Our stance on the issue of the restoration of deposed judges is same as it was before the February 18 elections,” the PML-N leader said, adding that his party stood for the repeal of 17th Amendment.

He also criticised the restoration of some deposed judges under fresh oath and termed it “humiliation of the judiciary and mockery of the justice system”.

The PML-N chief refused to comment on the activities of Governor Punjab Sulaman Taseer, saying it was responsibility of the PPP to respond to such developments.

Mr Sharif expressed concern over the situation in tribal areas and said the American forces’ attacks in the Pakistan territory were tantamount to breaching its sovereignty.

On the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif did not respond to any question about the prevailing political situation in Punjab.

Earlier, the Sharif brothers offered condolence to MPA Shujah Khanzada over the death of his uncle Taj Muhammad Khanzada.

Strict security arrangements were made on the occasion.