Nawaz Sharif Resigns?: KARACHI, Oct 14 (16:30 PST) Unconfirmed reports from sources close to the Prime
Minister suggest that he has resigned from office and is now in Lahore. Details as they become available. From: The STAR
monitoring desk.
Army seals Parliament Building amid rumors that President resigns: Islamabad, Oct 14 (15:50 PST): The
army today sealed off the Parliament House and ordered all the staff out, according to eyewitnesses, as the military leadership
remained busy putting in place an alternative government two days after the dismissal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Soldiers were seen ordering the staff of the Parliament House out and later locked the main entrance that also leads to the
President's House.
The move came at noon amid rumors that President Rafiq Tarar, handpicked by Sharif late 1998, had resigned. No civilian or
army officials were available to confirm or deny the reports. One of the houses of parliament is scheduled to meet
Friday.Observers said the seal-off might be aimed at preventing the MPs from meeting. (DPA)
Wasim Sajjad the Chairman of the Senate who is now in the UK will be returning to Pakistan on the first available flight. (APP)
PML demands right to elect new leader: ISLAMABAD, Oct 14, (15:50 PST): A senior leader of ousted Pakistan
Muslim League (PML) has demanded that the party be allowed to elect a new parliamentary leader to run the country, reports
said Thursday. Arguing that parliament was still intact following Tuesday's military coup, PML vice-president Ijazul Haq (son
of Gen.Ziaul Haq) said the party's MPs had a right to elect a new leader to replace Sharif.
"Whosoever gets elected as PML parliamentary chief should be allowed to run the country," Haq was quoted as saying by a
local daily.
"I am not starting or joining the power race, but my demand is to put the country on the right path," he said. Haq also openly
criticised Sharif for failing to consult his cabinet and party colleagues, especially over his decision to dismiss army chief
General Pervaiz Musharraf, which triggered the military takeover.
Musharaff and his fellow coup leaders continued to hold discussions today, as the whole of Pakistan awaited an
announcement on their plans for a future government. (AFP) |
