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Party Quits Pakistan Coalition

People's Party, government's senior partner, likely to remain, with new allies

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2008 11:02 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Pakistan’s coalition government collapsed today, the Wall Street Journal reports, with the Pakistan Muslim League—led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif—breaking with the Pakistan People’s Party. Sharif said his party was quitting the alliance because it wouldn’t restore judges sacked by just-ousted president Pervez Musharraf. The PPP, led by Asif Ali Zardari, appears likely to find other, smaller parties to join a ruling parliamentary coalition.

The Muslim League also says a former chief justice will be its candidate for president, vying with Zardari to replace Musharraf. Meanwhile, Pakistan officially banned the Taliban after continued attacks on security forces and public buildings, including bombings Thursday that killed 67. “This organization is a terrorist organization and created mayhem against the public life,” one official said.

A Pakistani police officer examines a ruined police station after a suicide car bombing that killed at least six officers and was claimed by the Taliban, Aug. 23, 2008.
A Pakistani police officer examines a ruined police station after a suicide car bombing that killed at least six officers and was claimed by the Taliban, Aug. 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Sherin Zada)
Supporters of the Pakistan People's Party share sweets in front of a portrait of their party head, Asif Ali Zardari, at a rally to celebrate his decision to run for the Pakistani presidency.
Supporters of the Pakistan People's Party share sweets in front of a portrait of their party head, Asif Ali Zardari, at a rally to celebrate his decision to run for the Pakistani presidency.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
A Pakistani examines a collapsed portion of a girls' school wrecked by militants with explosives near Peshawar, Pakistan today.
A Pakistani examines a collapsed portion of a girls' school wrecked by militants with explosives near Peshawar, Pakistan today.   (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad)
In this photo released by Pakistan Muslim League party, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, right, speaks during a party meeting today.
In this photo released by Pakistan Muslim League party, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, right, speaks during a party meeting today.   (AP Photo)
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leaves after a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, today.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leaves after a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, today.   (AP Photo)
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More on Sharif's exit
New York Times

10 killed in attacks on Pakistan politician
CNN

Pakistan outlaws Taliban
BBC

 
Taliban • Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Nawaz Sharif • Pakistan People's Party • Pakistan Muslim League • Asif Ali Zardari • Pakistan coalition talks

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