ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif agreed on Monday not to destabilise each other’s government and to stop leaders of their parties from issuing statements against each other. They also agreed to cooperate in getting the 17th amendment, including 58(2)b, repealed in accordance with the Charter of Democracy.

Mr Sharif met the prime minister at the PM house at the latter’s invitation extended during a telephonic conversation on Sunday.

The prime minister assured Mr Sharif that the federal government would not support any effort to destabilise the Punjab government.

The Punjab chief minister assured the prime minister that the PPP would be given proportionate representation in the provincial cabinet and house standing committees.

Mr Gilani said that holding long march was people’s right and a means of democratic protest, but it should not be used to weaken the federal government.

According to a late-night handout issued by the government of Punjab, the PML-N urged the government to reinstate the deposed judges before long march.