Zardari's PPP to quit PML-N-led government in Punjab

Pakistan's ruling PPP has decided to quit the PML-N-led government in Punjab province in the wake of the latter's refusal to rejoin the federal coalition headed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The decision on the Pakistan People's Party pulling out of the provincial government in Punjab was made at a meeting late last night between President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

"The President, who is also the co-chair of the PPP, said a meeting of party (parliamentarians and legislators) from Punjab will be called this week to take a final decision on the modalities of quitting the Punjab government in the wake of the decision by the PML-N not to rejoin the federal government," Babar said in a statement.

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had recently spurned Gilani's offer for the party to rejoin the PPP-led coalition at the centre. Sharif had, however, said his party will offer support from outside to the government.