LAHORE, Feb 20: The PML-N is learnt to have decided to support the PPP in forming a coalition government only if the latter agrees to restore deposed judges and invalidate steps taken by President Musharraf on or after Nov 3.

“There cannot be any compromise on these issues,” sources close to Mr Sharif told Dawn on Thursday.

Although the presidency and some foreign powers are still trying to bring the PPP and the PML-Q together, there appears to be little possibility of such efforts bearing fruit.

The sources said that the PML-N was so serious on the issue of restoration of deposed judges that it was considering leading a rally to Islamabad after forming its government in Punjab where it has emerged as the single largest party by winning more than 100 seats in the provincial assembly, excluding the seats reserved for women and minorities.

(The party is looking into the ‘possibility’ of appointing Mian Shahbaz Sharif as the chief minister. Although he did not take part in the elections, some provisions of the Constitution are being examined under which some way out may be found).

The PPP and the PML-Q rank second and third, respectively, in the province.

The sources said that when the governing party in Punjab would be leading a rally for the cause of judges, nobody would be in a position to block it. The PML-N, it is said, thinks that a resolution adopted by simple majority in the National Assembly will set aside the steps taken on or after Nov 3. “Once the resolution is adopted, the judges will stand restored,” claimed the sources.