I will neither resign, nor go on leave, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif re-affirmed on Monday that he would neither resign, nor go on leave with pressure mounting as anti-government protests in the capital extended into their 18th day.

Addressing a meeting of parliamentary leaders of all the political parties in the National assembly at the PM House on Monday, the premier assured that he will not let any one set a precedent in the country where a few people hijacked the mandate of millions.

"We have rule of Constitution here and we will no allow any one to abrogate it," said Nawaz.

In light of resolutions previously passed in the National Assembly, the parliamentarians reiterated their commitment to ensure supremacy of the Constitution and to stop democracy from being derailed.

They further said that they would not allow anyone to hijack the parliament to force their demands.

The meeting also expressed its reservations over irresponsible and baseless statements issued by some media outlets regarding the armed forces and their leadership.

The parliamentarians also condemned the attack on Parliament, PM House and PTV head office by the protesters.

Declaring that the attacks had damaged the reputation of the country internationally, the meeting called for the effective legal action against those responsible.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of different political political parties including Pakistan Muslim league-nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Jamiat Ulema-e-islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and other parties.