PPP not to quit PML-N-led govt in Punjab province: Gilani

Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his PPP will not quit the PML-N-led government in Punjab despite serious concerns expressed by party legislators over functioning of the coalition in the key province and Nawaz Sharif's tirade against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his PPP will not quit the PML-N-led government in Punjab despite serious concerns expressed by party legislators over functioning of the coalition in the key province and Nawaz Sharif's tirade against President Asif Ali Zardari.

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"We will not quit the government in Punjab," Gilani told PPP lawmakers during a meeting at the State Guest House in Lahore last night.

The Premier made his position clear after PPP legislators demanded that the party should quit the Punjab government because PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had described PPP leader and President Asif Ali Zaradri as "the biggest threat" to democracy.

Gilani asked the annoyed lawmakers to show political prudence and tolerance to save the coalition in the country's politically crucial province.

"Ignore the problems you are facing with the coalition partner in Punjab for the sake of democracy," he said.

During the meeting, the PPP legislators informed Gilani that they were not being given any share of government jobs.

Under the power-sharing formula in Punjab, the ratio of sharing jobs has been 60:40 between the PML-N and PPP.