In a scathing attack on Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Sunday described him as "the biggest threat to democracy" and blamed his party-led government for precipitating a standoff with the judiciary.
Sharif's comments come a day after the Supreme Court struck down two judicial appointments made by Zardari that went against the recommendations of the fiercely independent Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.
The apex court's move has triggered fears that the Pakistan People's Party and the judiciary could be headed for a showdown.
Criticising the government's actions, Sharif said Zardari should withdraw the notifications for the judicial appointments.
He said Zardari's actions were reminiscent of the emergency imposed by former military ruler Musharraf in November 2007.
"The dictator of that time had attacked the judiciary and on Saturday the presidency tried to exceed all limits and impose its will on the judiciary," he said.
"I would have never thought it possible that Zardari would pose the danger he does to democracy today. If there is any danger to democracy, it is from these actions by Zardari. In my view, Zardari is the biggest threat to democracy today," Sharif said in his most scathing criticism of the President to date.