Sharif's remarks, a sign of treason: Pak Defence Minister

Islamabad, Mar.1 (ANI): Attacking former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his verbal accusations against President Asif Ali Zardari and making calls for civil disobedience, Pakistan's Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar has said the remarks suggest disloyalty towards the country.

"The words uttered by Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif fall well within the ambit of treason," The News quoted Mukhtar, as saying.

Sharif, however, refuted making calls for the launch of a civil disobedience movement in the wake of being disqualified from contesting elections.I have not called for civil disobedience, and no decision has yet been made on this," Sharif said, adding, "I have merely said that the administration, the police should not follow any extra-legal orders."

Talking to reporters in Gujrat, Mukhtar ruled out imposition of martial law, or holding of mid-term elections in the country due to the current political crisis.

He also said the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) would be forming a government in Punjab province.

"If not, we will sit in the opposition," he added.

Punjab is presently under Governor's rule, after the sacking of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. (ANI)