Pakistan's Sharif pledges support to Zardari

Islamabad: Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif pledged support to President Asif Ali Zardari when they met on Monday, officials said.

Party spokesman Siddiqul Farooq said Sharif assured support to Zardari in strengthening the democratic set up in Pakistan.

Farooq described the meeting as "cordial". Zardari is to be sworn in as president on Tuesday.

Zardari is under pressure from the opposition to reverse controversial constitutional changes made by Pervez Musharraf.

He has the power to dismiss parliament, as well as make key military and judicial appointments.