Islamabad, Jan. 16 : Toughening his stance against the PPP regime in the country, Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Muslim League-N (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif has said that there is no difference between the present `democratic' government in Pakistan and dictatorship.

"In a democracy Parliament is sovereign and the sword of Article 58(2)b does not dangle over it, judiciary is independent and the government does not bow before international pressures in matters involving national interest," The Dawn quoted Sharif, as saying.

He charged President Asif Ali Zaradari for delaying the matter of repealing the 17th Amendment, and restoring the constitution to the pre - Musharraf rule.

"There is no obstacle in the way of restoring the Constitution to the pre-Oct 1999 position and only a nod from President Asif Ali Zardari is required," he said.

Sharif added that there is no need of any consensus on the issue as almost all the political parties of the country wanted the 17th Amendment to be repealed.

Commenting on disqualification of his name from contesting an election in the country, Sharif said that the decision regarding his disqualification rested with the people of Pakistan, and the PCO judges had no right to judge his qualification.

He asked the government to make the process of judges' appointment in the country more transparent.

"I hope that the government would refrain from making unilateral appointment of judges," Sharif said.

Sharif also criticised former President General. Parvez Musharraf for propagating several unconstitutional steps.

He also opposed the decision of the government of giving indemnity to Musharraf.

"He (Musharraf) must be tried for abrogating the Constitution and taking other unconstitutional steps, including the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti," Sharif added. (ANI)