Islamabad, Pakistan: May 13, 2008 - The political game in Pakistan has taken a new turn after nine PML-N ministers have pulled out from the six-week-old Pakistan government here today over the issue of restoration of judges, sacked by President Pervez Musharraf.

However, the PML-N has decided to continue to give issue-based support to the PPP-led government so as not to disturb the stability of the country in any manner.
 
PPP, heading the coalition, decided to keep the ministerial portfolios, except for Finance, vacant hoping Nawaz Sharif's party might review their decision.

The ministers drove to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's House a little after 1 pm and submitted their resignation letters to him. Most of them had given up their official security and other protocol arrangements on Monday as per PTI.

Before calling on Gilani, the PML-N ministers held a meeting in parliament to finalise their strategy and also consulted party chief Sharif over phone, sources said.

The PML-N has decided to withdraw its ministers but Sharif said his party would continue to give issue-based support to the PPP-led government.

As per certain sources in anonymity, the Amrican Lobby is helping Musharraf and influencing the PPP to cooperate with the President.