LAHORE, Feb 19: PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari are likely to meet in Islamabad on Thursday to discuss the government formation.

“I shall have a detailed meeting with Asif Zardari in Islamabad on Thursday in which all issues would be discussed and given final shape with mutual understanding,” Mr Sharif said in reply to a question about PML-N’s plan for next government’s formation at the first press conference after the general election.

Mr Sharif said the PML-N would try to maintain ‘’cordial relations’’ with the PPP.

Asked if the party would accept Gen Pervez Musharraf as the legitimate head of the state and establish working relationship with him, he said he would rather let the judiciary decide whether Mr Musharraf was eligible for the presidency or not. “The issue must be decided by the court.”

In reply to a question, he said the PML-N would abide by its manifesto while restoration of the pre-emergency judiciary would be its top priority.

“The PML-N wants independence of judiciary and the armed forces have no role in national politics. I’ll welcome cooperation from all the opposition forces in this respect,” he said, pledging not to accept the Nov 3 action (imposition of emergency and promulgation of PCO).

He sought immediate release of the detained judges and lawyers, and reinstatement of the deposed judges.

Mr Sharif invited all ‘’democratic forces’’ to sit together for chalking out a joint strategy to get rid of ‘’dictatorship’’ and ensure that the army never interfered in politics.

In reply to another query, he said many PML-Q MPs-elect wanted to rejoin their “parent” party (PML-N), but he would not disclose their names.

“I want to take all the democratic forces along but not those which cared for their vested interests only.”

The PML-N leader alleged that Nazims, DCOs, police and intelligence agencies were backing the former ruling party, but people supported the PML-N.

“The former rulers had made a comprehensive rigging plan but it was foiled with the masses’ support.”

He said rejection of his and his brother Shahbaz Sharif’s nomination papers were also part of the rigging.

Nawaz Sharif said powers of the Pemra should be revised and all media curbs be lifted immediately.

He appreciated the role the media had played since March 9, the day Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was suspended by President Musharraf.