Sharif discusses Pak political crisis with Zardari

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today met former President Asif Ali Zardari to find a way to end the political crisis in the wake of protest sit-ins by supporters of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and Canada-based cleric Tahirul Qadri.

PPP chief Zardari met Sharif at the premier's residence and they pledged to "protect democracy" come what may. It had also unanimously been decided that Sharif would not resign as demanded by Khan and Qadri.

Zardari also went to the right wing Jamaat-i-Islami's (JI) headquarters at Mansoora and called on its chief Sirajul Haq in his efforts to defuse the crisis. This is the first visit of the left wing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief to JI headquarters in almost three decades.

Briefing journalists after Zardari-Nawaz meeting, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said Zardari had assured his full support to Sharif in resolving the crisis within the limits of the constitution and law.

"Nawaz Sharif welcomed Zardari at his residence. Zardari sahib has assured his full support to Mian sahib in resolving the issues with protesting parties," Dar said.

To a question whether Zardari had asked Sharif to resign, Dar said, "There is no question of the PM's resignation. Rather he extended his fully support to the premier."

The finance minister declared the government had already accepted the six demands of Khan therefore he should end his protest.