The PML-N chief said that if the judiciary became independent, it would ensure rule of law and accountability of the government.

Asked about the opinion of Musharraf’s supporters that Sharif’s position on the judges’ issue could lead to greater instability, he charged that the President had plunged the country into the worst form of instability.

Sharif also said he had no plans to weaken the PPP government. “I will thwart all conspiracies against Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP government in the country,” he said.

Asked whether he was not afraid of any reprisal from those at the helm of affairs, he said, “Why should I be afraid? If 60 judges were fired with a stroke of the pen in any western country and the whole nation took to the streets, would their army impose martial law?”