Lahore, Nov 26 : Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has thanked Saudi Arabian King Abdullah for his support in facilitating his return to Pakistan, and said that President Pervez Musharraf tried to block it.

Sharif called for restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Sharif demanded the withdrawal of emergency rule in the country.

A meeting of All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) will be held on November 29 and before that the other parties will be convinced about the need for boycotting the election, he said.

Sharif paid tribute to the sacked judges who had refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

He said the judges wanted to give a verdict according to the Constitution and the law, but they were removed from their offices.

Talking on curbs on the free media, Sharif regretted ban on Geo TV.

"The opposition is not solely responsible for maintenance of peace but the government also holds the responsibility", Sharif said.

"We want peaceful elections not disturbances", The News quoted Sharif, as saying. (ANI)