PTI
 
London, Aug 24: Former Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif on Thursday described the Supreme court verdict allowing him to return to the country as a "victory for democracy" and said he would like to get back "as soon as possible."

Sharif, currently living in London, said a decision on his return would be taken by his party --The Pakistan Muslim League (PML)-- and the All Party Democratic Movement.

"Now it is the duty of the people of Pakistan to struggle for the full restoration of democracy in the country," Sharif, who is in exile since 2000, told newsmen.

"This is a victory for democracy, rule of law and a defeat for the dictatorship. This is the second victory for the people of Pakistan, the first being the Supreme Court decision in the case of the suspended CJ," he said.

As regards alliance with Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, which is reportedly working out a deal with Musharraf, Sharif said "We have signed a Charter of Democracy with PPP under which no party can enter into any deal with the dictatorship.

Bhutto has been having dialogue with President Pervez Musharraf. A final decision will be taken on the issue by his party and All Party Democratic Movement."

Sharif, who was ousted in a bloodless coup by Gen Musharraf, said he has taken a principled stand since then, not to talk to him and has struck to it even today.

When a correspondent pointed out that he might be arrested if he returned to Islamabad since some cases were still pending against him, Sharif said "they can't scare me with threat of arrests. I will go back even if they put me back in prison."

He said with the latest Supreme Court ruling, Gen Musharraf will have to take everyone along with him.