Lahore: Ahead of a crucial meeting between ruling PPP chief Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the government was committed to reinstate the judges deposed by President Pervez Musharraf.

"We will honour our commitment to restore the deposed judges," Gilani told reporters after meeting PML-N President and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

His comments came days after the influential lawyers movement organised a large rally here to press for reinstatement of the judges sacked by Musharraf during last year's emergency rule.

Leaders of the lawyers movement have accused the Parliament and Zardari of holding up the reinstatement of the judges.

PML-N also withdrew its ministers from the federal coalition after its key demand seeking reinstatement of judges was not met.

Gilani said that Zardari and former premier Sharif would hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss various matters related to the coalition.

Replying to a question about perceived differences between coalition partners PPP and PML-N, Gilani dispelled such an impression, saying, "there should be no doubts about our alliance, which is very much intact".

Gilani and Shahbaz discussed overall political situation in the country, functioning of the coalition governments at the Centre and in Punjab and the law and order situation in Punjab during their meeting at the State Guest House here.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Shahbaz became Chief Minister. Gilani congratulated him on assuming the post and said his election was a victory for democratic forces and a vindication of the aspirations of the people of Punjab.

Gilani also congratulated Shahbaz on the presentation of a budget in the Punjab assembly that focussed on poverty alleviation. He also said the Punjab government would have the full backing and cooperation of the federal government.

Source : PTI