Sharif files nomination papers

Islamabad: Two-time former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto filed their nomination papers for the January 8 elections to the National Assembly.

As the rush to file nominations peaked before the midnight deadline yesterday, Sharif and his brother Shahbaz, former chief minister of Punjab, filed their papers in hometown Lahore, a day after their return from exile.

Enthusiastic supporters showered flower petals on the two Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leaders and chanted slogans as they visited the office of the returning officer.

Jubilant scenes were also witnessed in Larkana, Sindh province, where Benazir Bhutto, life chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), filed her papers.

The two mainstream parties are demanding lifting of emergency rule, restoration of the suspended constitution, removal of curbs on the media and a level playing field for all in the electoral arena.

Bhutto said in Larkana, her hometown, that her party remained concerned that the elections would be rigged but had decided against leaving the field empty.

Joint strategy

She welcomed Sharif's return and said the PPP was in touch with other opposition parties to evolve a joint strategy to counter any manipulation of the poll process.

Sharif told reporters in Lahore that the opposition could exercise the option of boycotting the polls if it was denied due space and freedom of electioneering and was "pushed to the wall".

"We believe in reconciliation and Pakistan's welfare, not in confrontation; the people at the helm of affairs need to understand the feelings of the people and lift emergency and restore the constitution," he said.

He said his party would not become part of any post-election coalition government under President Pervez Musharraf.

Sharif ruled out any compromise with the pro-Musharraf PML-Q but said his party would keep options open on working with those parties in the alliance that had desisted from maligning the PML-N and its leadership.

The PML-N leader, whose return to the country was clinched with the apparent backing of Saudi Arabia, said he would always remain indebted to the kingdom's leadership for its support and help.

After flying back home to a tumultuous welcome in Lahore, Sharif sought to clarify that he had not entered into any deal with the Musharraf regime.

Sharif said the All Parties Democratic Movement would hold a meeting on November 29 to finally decide whether and or not to take part in the elections.