The Judicial team released some prisoners who were imprisoned on minor charges on the orders of the Chief Justice. According to a private television, the Chief Justice also inspected the prisoners vans, Ambulances and food items being provided to the prisoners and directed the jail administration to improve the standard.

Meanwhile, a family held a demonstration in front of Central Jail for seeking justice. A relative of the family was not released after court’s order. The court exonerated Razwan Ahmed in a suicide bomb case. The brother of a prisoner Syed Asif Ali told the media that delaying tactics are being used in his case. The relatives of Farooq Mangel involved in the murder case of his wife Afreen Baig a TV Producer, said the decision is still pending due to the influence of some politicians. NNI

Lawyers ensured the cooperation of the Rawalpindi Bar Association with Bench against the unnecessary delay of judicial policies. They asked the Govt to appoint new judges as soon as possible, so that the burden of cases may reduce.

Lawyers Wali khan, Shamus and Anwar Ul Hasan demanded that the Govt must ensure to execute the recommendations of the chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. They also demanded of the Govt to announce some special packages for the judges so that they may work with full honesty. Lawyers further asked to computerize the whole judicial system according to the modern age, in return such system would provide solution to many problems of the masses. NNI

He urged the lawyers and court staff to identify black sheep to stop the selling of justice for ensuring transparency in the court proceedings. He said that peoples had trust in them and it was their responsibility to provide justice to the peoples. In view of terrorist activities in the country, he asked the staff not to bring their guests to the residential houses.-SANA

Talking to senior journalists’ President Zardari said that he is satisfied over the military operation in Swat adding that the force is not the only solution of all problems. President Zardari said that he visited China for security equipment and also asked America to provide drones to Pakistani security agencies so that they could be used against the terrorists.

He said he is committed to repeal 17th amendment, 58-2-b, adding that Nawaz Sharif is also belonged to their family. He said that his government wanted to restore Chief Justice Chaudhry but waiting for the retirement of former Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar.

He said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is using all powers as he is a powerful PM. President Zardari said that he wanted to return all government powers to the parliament and wanted to spend his time with his children after returning powers to PM. Answering a question about the freedom of media, President Zardari said that he is committed to the freedom of media and if there is any problem then media should approach judiciary as powerful judiciary is present under the leadership of Iftikhar Chaudhry.

He said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan offered him the post of PM but he refused saying that Yousuf Raza Gilani was fit for the post of PM according to his understanding. Answering a question regarding the decreasing credibility of government President Zardari said that it changes time to time with the decisions. He said that he was supporter of national government in Punjab as his formula was not succeeded PPP decided to support PML-N government.-SANA

Zardari’s statement came amid reports of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry constituting a larger bench to hear a set of review petitions filed by Federation of Pakistan, Speaker, Punjab Assembly, proposer and seconder of the Sharif brothers in by-elections, Mehr Zafar Iqbal and Shakeel Baig and others. The petitions seek to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision of Feb. 25 in which both PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif were disqualified from holding any public office.

The five-member bench meets today. The bench will also hear a separate application moved by the federal government seeking suspension of the disqualification order of the two brothers till the time it is not decided.

Zardari said setting a good example of tolerance, “we have given full chance to PML-N for the formation of government in Punjab.” The future line of action now depends entirely on the conduct of PML(N) toward PPP, he added.

Zardari said PPP, since its inception, firmly believed in supremacy of the constitution, rule of law, national cohesion, solidarity, sovereignty and promotion of democratic system of government. “The PPP is making all sincere efforts to strengthen democracy in the country. It had rendered record number of sacrifices in the political history of Pakistan, especially the Bhutto family for the restoration and promotion of democracy in the country,” Zardari said.

He reiterated that his party “will leave no stone unturned to promote the politics of tolerance, decency and do away with the politics of confrontation and agitation across the country.” He said following the policy of reconciliation, he announced the lifting of governor’s rule in Punjab during his address to joint session of the Parliament on Saturday.

Bilawal Zardari Bhutto also spoke on the occasion. He categorically endorsed all the policies being pursued by his father. He said the president should be politically strengthened. Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, President PPP, Punjab, Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, former senior minister Raja Riaz Ahmad and other party stalwarts attended the meeting besides all party MNAs and MPAs.

Reacting to Zardari’s offer, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly said PML-N’s main preference was the implementation of Charter of Democracy which the PPP and PML-N had signed. He said: “If we undo 17th Constitutional Amendment most of the powers will be transferred to Prime Minister’s Office.”
courtesy: Arab News

The provincial government of Shahbaz Sharif was dismissed in late February and governor’s rule imposed after the Supreme Court disqualified the Sharif brothers from contesting elections over previous conviction.

The one-year-old civilian government, led by Zardari’s Pakistan’s Peoples’ Party (PPP), was plunged into crisis this month when Sharif drove through Punjab at the head of mass protests that raised fears of a violent climax in Islamabad. The government placed barricades round the capital and put the army on alert as Sharif set off from the eastern city of Lahore.

Fearful of instability in a nuclear-armed nation already under threat from Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants, Western governments and the Pakistan Army persuaded Zardari to defuse the crisis by submitting to Sharif’s demand for the reinstatement of a top judge. On March 16, the government restored Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry as Supreme Court chief justice. Chaudhry was sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf.

“I wish to announce that we shall recommend the lifting of the governor’s rule in Punjab,” Zardari said in a keynote address to Parliament yesterday. He said the PPP will sit in the opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

“Pakistan has many challenges. What it does not need is a challenge from within its democracy,” Zardari said. “Let’s put an end to challenging each other. We have enough challenges from around the world and within us (from) our enemies. Let us be friends once again and forever.”

In a step toward dispelling mistrust between the country’s two major political parties, the government this month asked the Supreme Court to suspend the Sharifs’ disqualification while an appeal is heard. The court is due to hear the government’s plea on the Sharifs’ behalf tomorrow.

Zardari said he hoped the restoration of the provincial government would lead to reconciliation between the two and that he and Sharif could “still meet as friends.” Opinion polls show Sharif, the prime minister ousted by Musharraf in a coup in 1999, has become Pakistan’s most popular politician since returning from exile in late 2007.

Sharif’s popularity was linked to the uncompromising stand he took over Chaudhry, the judge Musharraf dismissed when he declared emergency rule to extend his presidency.

The pro-West Zardari had become widely unpopular, again in part because of his past reluctance to reinstate Chaudhry who had stood up to Musharraf. Analysts say the president had feared the judge might nullify an amnesty Musharraf had given Benazir Bhutto and Zardari to return to Pakistan without fear of prosecution in corruption cases.

In his Parliament speech yesterday, Zardari also said that Pakistan will not compromise its sovereignty. “We have opposed drone attacks and we will oppose them,” the president said, referring to frequent missile attacks on suspected terrorists in the country’s northwest bordering Afghanistan.

- With input from agencies

Stock exchange and financial markets have already welcomed him the day he was reinstated and the disgruntled business community is pinning high hopes on him. Disappointed and disillusioned are looking towards him for resolution of their problems.

“The biggest achievement of CJP is not providing justice to masses but giving hope and direction to the divided people of Pakistan,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW adding that we welcome the statement of CJP regarding wiping out corruption in the judiciary.

Now, he will have to keep an eye on executive, working of judiciary, corruption in subordinate courts and excesses by politicians etc. Business environment should be made enabling and the CJP should burn midnight lamp for improving dispute resolution which is a stumbling block in progress.

The present policies have contributed to decline in overall business activities. Two per cent GDP growth is a threat bigger than any we faced in the past.

The procedure of appointment of judges should be changed to clean superior courts of politics and bring them a good name. People deserve to enjoy the fruits of victory of democracy.

Dr. Mughal said reinstatement of CJP is the most positive development in history of Pakistan. He said that failures of two presidents and their ‘capable’ teams played a major role in success of Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Masses started looking towards CJP for relief when Musharraf disappointed them. Zardari proved to be no exception. “We hope he will burst all his cylinders to safeguard the interests of masses who have ensured his return,” he said. People are hoping that he will not only strengthen judiciary but also economy and institutions. He should restyle society and discourage negative trends endangering the country.

The lawyers and the civil activists held national flag and chanted slogans Pakistan Zindabad and in fovour of independence of judiciary as well; whereas, Justice Khalil Ramday, Justice Shakir Ullah Jan and Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk were also along him. The Chief Justice entered into the Supreme Court room No. 1 along with a large number of lawyers and civil activists who gathered to hail him at his first visit after long absence.

He started hearing of cases on the occasion and conducted oath ceremony of Chief election Commission Justice Hamid Ali Mirza as well. On the eve of the Chief Justice arrival to Supreme Court, families of the missing persons were present in front of the building. The employees of the Supreme Court stood in respect of Chief Justice arrival and security arrangement was quite tight in the occasion.

It was happened first time in the history of Pakistan as well as of the world that the Chief Justice reinstated for third time owing to his own and of the lawyers’ long and consistent struggles.

Iftikhar took oath as Chief Justice of Supreme Court first time on June 30, 2005; however, he was removed on March 9, 2207 by former president Pervez Musharraf through ordinance after leveling allegations against him. But soon after he was declared sinless by the Supreme Judicial Council and restored him again on his position on July 20, 2007.

In the meanwhile, a conspiracy hatched against independent judiciary and he was along sixty others judges unseated on November 3, 2007 by the then president and army chief Pervez Musharraf by declaring emergency in the county; however, it was reacted severely and the government lastly to bow before the mass flood on mach 16, 2009 when the Chief Justice Iftikhar along with other judges reinstated for the third time.

Input from Agencies

It was a close holiday on Sunday in Islamabad. Covered with grey clouds Margallah hills which over look ‘Judges Colony’, appeared as a national salvation day. Every one was walking towards the residence of Chief Justice facing Sindh House. All the tv channels had installed their Digital Satellite Newsgathering Systems and cameramen and reporters were waiting for the moment which the nation of Pakistan had waited for long.

Pakistan’s leading jurist and a PPP leader Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan was the master of ceremony. He had invited those PPP leaders who either had given sacrifices during Lawyers’ movement or were supportive of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s promise,

“A day will dawn when we will hoist national flag at the residence of Chief Justice Iftkhar Chaudhry”,

Bhutto had made this pledge while addressing a rally in front of Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s house a month before her assassination. Political Secretary of Benazir Bhutto Nahid Khan, her husband Senator Dr. Safdar Abbasi, Dr. Israr Shah, a member of PPP’s CEC who had lost his two legs during a blast at District courts of Islamabad in July 2007 when Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was to address members of local Bar Association, too was present though he is close to President Asif Ali Zardari. He hoisted the national flag.

“Benazir Bhutto has today honoured her pledge”, Nahid Khan said while talking to emotionally charged crowd. She said we waited for this moment after crossing a bloody journey which even cost life of our great leader.

People were rejoicing but the man, for the traditions and values of his office, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry did not appear in the balcony. His son Balach kept appearing in the main balcony. Aitzaz Ahsan conducting the ceremony said that this would be the last of the series of restoration of judiciary functions, while Chief Justices of Pakistan would not participate in this function. Aitzaz thanked Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Imran Khan especially for their unflinching support to the lawyers’ movement.

The man for whom bells kept tolling Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has many a challenges ahead to face. His challenges are very complicated. What he would decided about the period between November 3, 2007 to March 22, 2009. What will be fate of those judgments which were made by outgoing Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, face of NRO Ordinance which provided indemnity to President Asif Ali Zardari in several graft cases and will he take up any appeal, writ or petitions against for military president Pervez Musharraf. Time in its maturity alone will answer these questions.

Meanwhile Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken charge as the Chief Justice of Pakistan on early Sunday. In a statement released by Supreme Court of Pakistan, it is said that justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken charge as the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Former president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Aitzaz Ahsan said that Naheed khan, a close friend of Benazir Bhutto, would raise the Pakistan’s flag on the residence of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on March 22. Taking to media man, he said that it was a desire of late Benazir Bhutto who would be fulfilled by her friend.

Former president SCBA said that the flag-rising ceremony would be started on at 11:00 am March 22. Aitzaz Ahsan said that leader of the political parties which participated in the judiciary’s restoration movement would participate in the ceremony but Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would not attend the ceremony.

Input From Agencies

He said Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry will resume charge of his office on 22nd of this month following retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar a day earlier. Under another notification, the President has restored four judges of the Supreme Court and six judges of Lahore, Sindh and Peshawar High Courts with immediate effect to the position they were before 3rd of November 2007.

The restored judges of the Supreme Court include Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmad and Justice Ch. Ejaz Ahmad. The judges of three high courts are Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif, Justice Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhy and Mr. Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman of Lahore High Court; Justice Musheer Alam and Justice Maqbool Baqir of Sindh High Court and Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan of Peshawar High Court.

The Law Secretary said the President has approved the summary for reinstatement of the deposed judges in the light of the announcement made by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in his historic address to the nation early yesterday morning. Replying to a question he said this is restoration and the reinstated judges are not required to take fresh oath. He also clarified that the judges can join their offices on Wednesday.-SANA

Main opposition leader Nawaz Sharif welcomed what he called a historic achievement and promptly called off a “long march” that was to lay siege to the centers of power in the capital.

Gilani’s climb-down, in a dawn address to the nation, followed talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani to end political uncertainty. “I announce today that Iftikhar Chaudhry and all other deposed judges will be reinstated from March 21, when the current chief justice retires,” Gilani said.

Zardari has come under massive domestic and foreign pressure to defuse a standoff with Sharif, who urged the masses to rise up against the government to demand that judges sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf be reinstated.

To further ease tension, Gilani said his government had decided to file a petition against the Feb. 25 Supreme Court ruling that banned Sharif and his brother Shahbaz from contesting elections.

“It is a historic day, a great day which will change the country’s destiny,” said Sharif from inside his car in Gujranwala, were he was showered with rose petals and mobbed by a sea of jubilant supporters. “Today, the nation has received very happy news. We had said that we will restore the independent judiciary, and by the grace of Allah, we have achieved it,” he said. “We are now calling off this long march,” Sharif said, following discussions with lawyers and political allies, including Imran Khan and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad.

Gilani also overturned a repressive government clampdown designed to foil the “long march,” ordering authorities to release all those arrested and declaring the immediate lifting of a ban on public demonstrations. “I want to congratulate the nation. Let us celebrate this with dignity,” said Gilani.

The prime minister later called lawyers’ leader Aitzaz Ahsan and “congratulated him on the restoration of deposed judges.”

The United States welcomed Gilani’s announcement as a move to “defuse a serious confrontation” and a “substantial step toward national reconciliation,” in a statement issued by its embassy in Islamabad.

But a spokesman for Chaudhry sounded a note of caution. “There have been so many broken promises in the past. A lot of mistrust has been created. We have to see the official notification,” Athar Minallah told reporters, stressing repeatedly that he was only expressing his own opinion.

“It’s the first time in the history of Pakistan that a movement launched by the middle class has proved successful,” said retired judge Tareq Mehmood.

Jubilant supporters waved flags and cheered outside Chaudhry’s home, and the grinning jurist briefly made an appearance on the balcony.

“No country can progress without an independent judiciary and the government — by restoring the chief justice and other judges — has also realized it, and we think it is a big success,” said Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association chief Ali Ahmad Kurd.

Chaudhry was dismissed by Musharraf on Nov. 3, 2007, along with 60 other judges, 53 of whom have since been reinstated. The former military ruler feared the judges would declare him ineligible to contest a presidential election while in military uniform. He first fired Chaudhry in March 2007, but the judge was reinstated on a Supreme Court appeal.

Courtesy: Arab News

One must wonders that due to lack of foresightedness, the rulers provided an opportunity to the slept lion Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to show his bravery and defiance on principles, and popularity which is devastating for the Govt at this early juncture of their 5 years slot. But it will be unjust if we forget the steadfast lawyer leadership, UN intimidated media and robust civil society with thousands of unnamed supporting characters who brought the rulers to their knees and won fruit on the day of long march. They stood on the ground like they did on 3 November 2007 at the time of emergency. Govt of Gillani deserves to be appreciated for listening and meeting public demands, respecting the will of the people as Lawyers and civil society were on streets since 9 March 2007. Army command deserves applause for nipping their lust for power when they bore patiently with the inefficiencies of our today’s rulers who blindfolded threw the nation into a turmoil and flared the hatred when the spirit of reconciliation was in the air. This is the time when Pakistani people have a chance to regroup and make this country a mirror image of the aspirations of millions of those who decided to join this new land at the time of independence in 1947 in a dream come true style by sacrificing nearly 4 million souls. Nation was jubilant in May 1998 after becoming an atomic power and now the nation has a cause to be overjoyed after seeking victory on a principled point of restoration of Chief Justice who defied a military dictator.

If the political forces wishes to move forward from the stalemate of 25 February, then implementation of ‘Charter of Democracy’ and free judiciary are they key ingredients to restore true democracy in Pakistan and this can only restrict military intervention(s) and nip the ‘law of necessity’ in the bud. 20 July 2007 when CJ was restored first, I wrote that one judge does not secure independence of judiciary but is a first step towards right direction. We saw the lawyers reaction, when necessary expectations were not met when SC gave a decision dismissing dual offices case against the Qazi Hussain Ahmed & orders were torn apart. I still hold the same view and political will, consultation and joint collaboration is required to effect this process to conclusion. The whole institution of judiciary needs to be revamped and If these dreams are to be translated in reality then spade work by Supreme Court Bar Association must start now to give a road map on crucial topics such as appointment of judges via non political and unbiased commission, non controversial non political future lawyers who in the end become judges, politics free bar, training of lawyers and judges, accountability of top judiciary, financial autonomy of top judiciary, protection of judges, and separation of administration from judiciary coupled with safe guards to prevent judiciary turning into another military style unbridled power which parallels the executive . These are the questions which needs to be addressed by Lawyer representatives so that Parliament could do positive legislation in days to come.

It was disturbing when we saw a popular political party taking similar actions what we witnessed on 12 May 2007 by a military dictator i.e imposing s.144, blocking channels, exclusion orders for certain leaders, closing borders and usage of containers are a few examples of many. Suspension basic human rights is against the law of the land and international law and Society endorsed and encouraged the freedom of expression, and tolerance as enshrined in Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution (art15,19, and 25) and nation considered the right of people of free speech as inalienable that is why they came in huge numbers when channels were blocked. The welcoming role of sensibles of PPP including Raza Rabbani, Aitzaz Ahsan, Safder Abbassi and Sherry Rehman, Minister of Information who resigned at the time when curbs against Pakistani media were directed acted like a fresh air in a very suffocated atmosphere. It is for the PPP to decide to bring those to books who were truly responsible to bring the country to a total standstill and for adverse administrative measures and imposition of Governor rule, though the public has given their verdict already.

In the current geo political situation in the country option of reconciliation with the people and political forces of Pakistan is the best route possible to curb radicalization and invasion of extremism and as current situation desires all heads of constitutional tracheotomy to observe extreme patience and wisdom and be visionary to avoid conflicts which have serious repercussions for the state of Pakistan. Government of the day must operate a policy of listen and learn and ensure implementation of the ‘Charter of Democracy’ in its letter and spirit, as that’s the dying wish an pledge to the nation of their leader of Shaheed Mohtarma BenNazir Bhuttoo, and a recipe to avoid disaster. The whole nation needs an appreciation for their patience, bravery and ruler’s mischiefs. Well done Pakistan.

Talking to media at Lahore Airport Shahbaz Sharif said that all segments of society participated in the lawyers long march adding that the people wants the country which was dreamt by Quaid and Iqbal. He said hoped the restoration of deposed judges would lead country towards the progress and prosperity.

He said the people wants a country where justice is accessible for all the people of the country equally not the one where it is sold. He hailed the role of Prime Minister Gilani in the process of restoration of deposed judiciary.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the whole nation was waking when the long march was in progress from Lahore towards Islamabad in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif. He said that the delay in the decision to restore deposed judges would have been harmful for the country.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the 16th March would be written in golden words in the history of the country adding that his party would not let this golden moment to go in vain. Commenting on not lifting governors rule Shahbaz said that to attain Punjab government was not their goal adding that their goal was to achieve independent judiciary for the people of the country. He thanked the role of media over its positive role for the independence of judiciary in the country.-SANA

He said by ending the political deadlock the PPP government has taken step forward. He said all the four pillars of state should play their role while remaining with their parameters. He said all the political forces should go forward by forgetting their past bitterness to address the other challenges facing the country.

The Minister said the judges have been restored after consulting all the concerned quarters. He rejected any foreign pressure or third party pressure in this regard. He said by restoring the deposed judges, the government has fulfilled the promises made in this regard by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

He said it is a historic society. He said all segments of society including lawyers, civil society, and political workers took part in the movement for restoration of judges. He congratulated the national and also paid tribute to the PPP workers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle.

He pointed out that President and Prime Minister were committed to restore the judges. However, he said there is some delay in the decision because the PPP government does not want to remove any sitting judge before their tenure is completed. The Information Minister said the PPP government believes in freedom of press and will continue to pursue this policy in future. He suggested that media elders should themselves evolve a code of conduct for themselves.

To a question, Mr. Kaira said the government will take other political forces on board on Charter of Democracy to take the process the forward. Answering a question, he said notification for restoration of judges will be issues after completing the procedure in due course of time.

Replying to a question, the Minister said the issue of Governor Rule in Punjab will be resolved soon. Replying to a question the Information Minister said that Chief Justice Iftikhar Ahmed Chaudhry does not need to take fresh oath, because he has been restored on his post. To another question he expressed his regrets over the loss of property of some people during the course of the long march in different cities and said all arrangements were made to protect the life of the people.-SANA

Addressing a big gathering of JI workers after the reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and other deposed judges Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that Dr Aafia, Jamia Hafsa students, relatives of missing persons and martyrs of 12th May 2007 are looking at Justice Iftikhar for justice.

He said that some people in the country are living in a luxury while, others have no bread for eating JI is fighting against this unjust system in the country. He said that his party workers were baton charged in Lahore other people joined the long march after the way was cleared.

He assured the participants of the gathering that no one could stand before the strength of people. He stressed on the need of solving all matters through consultation with all leaders of the country and it should not have to look towards US, UK and other forces of the world for decisions about Pakistan. He said that JI is the only party which is capable of bringing fare justice system in the country.-SANA

He said that Iftikhar Chaudhry was sacked by Musharraf after considering him the big hurdle in his way. Talking to media Imran Khan said the people’s struggle was for the deposed judiciary but not for the mid-term elections. Replying to a question about foreign involvement in restoration of deposed judges’ Imran said that it should not be so.

He said that they went underground through a planned programme and it was decided that Nawaz Sharif had to lead the long march from Lahore meanwhile, he himself, JI Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif had to lead the long march from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad.-SANA

Addressing a public meeting at Gujranwala on Monday, he announced termination of long march and said the nation has achieved the target. He congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to bring out the country from the long crisis.

He said all political forces including Jamat-e-Islami, Tehrik-e-Insaf and lawyers community are on board in this decision. Mian Nawaz Sharif assured the President and the Prime Minister that his party would work with PPP for implementation of Charter of Democracy.-SANA