'China backing political forces to maintain stability in Pakistan'

Beijing, Jan 17 (ANI): China supports all Pakistani political forces to maintain national stability and development, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman has said.

Commenting on the present situation in Pakistan, Liu Weimin said: "As a friendly neighbour of Pakistan, China supports all Pakistani political forces to maintain unity and harmony for the overall social stability and economic development."

China has consistently adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, the Daily Times quoted Liu, as saying.

Yesterday, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had offered to resign after meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, saying that if parliament wants his resignation, he will hand it over willingly.

"If parliament wants, I can resign," said Gilani.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's Supreme Court had issued a contempt notice to Gilani, and asked him to appear before it on January 19th to present his point on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) issue.

Gilani is the second Prime Minister of Pakistan to be issued a contempt notice by the country's apex court.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed President Asif Ali Zardari, Gilani and Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Fasih Bokhari to submit their replies in the same issue.

The apex court further requested the authorities to present details on the progress in the implementation of its verdict on the same issue.

The Pakistan Supreme Court had also warned Zardari and Gilani of disqualification for upto 10 years for defying the implementation of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) verdict.

Following the apex court order, Gilani met Zardari ahead of ahead of the National Assembly session. (ANI)