ISLAMABAD, Jan 16: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has toughened his stance against the PPP-led government, calling the “present democracy” no different from dictatorship.

“In a democracy parliament is sovereign and the sword of Article 58(2)b does not dangle over it, judiciary is independent and the government does not bow before international pressures in matters involving national interest,” he told a press conference here on Friday.

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali, Ahsan Iqbal, Zafar Ali Shah and other senior leaders of the party were present.

This was the harshest remark made by Mr Sharif since his party’s withdrawal from the coalition government.

He said a draft 18th amendment bill to repeal the 17th Amendment had been handed over to the PPP. “There is no obstacle in the way of restoring the Constitution to the pre-Oct 1999 position and only a nod from President Asif Ali Zardari is required.”

Mr Sharif said it was the first step towards implementation of the Charter of Democracy and repeal of the 17th Amendment was the first point of the charter. He said the ball was now in the government’s court and warned that any uncalled for delay would create confusion and uncertainty.

He said there was no need for a consensus on it as most parties in parliament wanted to see the controversial amendment repealed.

In reply to a question about the threat of his disqualification, he said PCO judges had no right to judge his qualification, adding that he regarded the people of Pakistan as his judge.

The former premier called for making transparent the process of judges’ appointment and said he had asked the party to draft a bill on appointment of judges. He expressed the hope that the government would refrain from making unilateral appointment of judges and said controversial decisions must be avoided.

Mr Sharif said his party would participate in the lawyers’ march and continue to support their movement.

He ruled out any alliance with the PML-Q before the Senate election and said it would not be done even if the PML-N had to lose its government in Punjab.

About Pakistan-India tensions, he said that leaders of the two countries should demonstrate maturity.

“Threatening statements and point scoring will not work. There should be a joint investigation to unmask those involved in the Mumbai blasts,” he added.

In reply to a question, Mr Sharif said that the Nov 3, 2007, action of former president Pervez Musharraf should be reversed. He opposed giving indemnity to Gen (retd) Musharraf and said he must be tried for abrogating the Constitution and taking other unconstitutional steps, including the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. “There should be no room for any indemnity.”