Pakistan government meets to decide next president

Updated August 22, 2008 18:41:06

Nawaz Sharif is threatening to resign from the coalition government. [Reuters]

Pakistan's shaky ruling coalition is set for a crucial meeting later today.

The coalition is to meet on the choice of president to replace Pervez Musharraf and on the issue of the reinstatement of judges sacked last year.

Correspondent, Michael Coggan reports, Benazir Bhutto's widower Asif Ali Zardari is emerging as the front-runner to replace Pervez Musharraf as President.

Members of Mr Zardari's Pakistan People's Party are urging the joint leader of the coalition government to stand for the Presidency.

But his coalition partner Nawaz Sharif could force the collapse of the government before a vote is held.

Mr Sharif is threatening to quit unless Mr Zardari agrees to reinstate the Chief Justice along with judges sacked by Mr Musharraf last year.

He says Mr Zardari assured him the judges would be restored within 24 hours of removing Mr Musharraf.