LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Former Premier Nawaz Sharif Monday asked President Pervez Musharraf to resign, blaming him for Pakistan being labeled a "dangerous country," reports said.
Sharif, who recently returned to Pakistan after being sent into exile by Musharraf after a bloodless coup in 1999, told reporters in Lahore a government of national unity be formed to ensure free and fair elections, the Press Trust of India reported.
"Mr. Musharraf has become highly controversial and elections would not be free and fair under him," said Sharif, who leads a faction of the Pakistan Muslim League.
"Pakistan is being described as a dangerous country in the international media because of Mr. Musharraf's eight-year rule."
Sharif's party canceled election campaign after the Dec. 27 assassination of Benazir Bhutto, another former prime minister. The parties of both Sharif and Bhutto plan to participate in the Feb. 18 parliamentary polls.
Separately, the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Sharif that if the elections are rigged, the consequences would be destructive and uncontrollable.
"We want rigging free elections under a government of national consensus," he said, adding the recent wheat crisis, power shutdowns and sky rocketing prices of essential items have disappointed the masses.
