Islamabad, Dec 11: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has termed President Pervez Musharraf’s rule as "illegitimate", and asked police and government officials to disobey orders given by Musharraf.

Speaking at a public meeting in Faisalabad to start the PML-N election campaign, Sharif said that Musharraf has brought the country on the "verge of destruction" with his push to stay in power.

He vowed to turn January 8 polls into a referendum on legislators who support Musharraf.

"All the judges, including deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who have not taken oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) are very revered to us. When the good time comes, we will reinstate them, " the Online quoted Sharif, as saying.

He said that his nomination papers had been rejected because he had refused to compromise on his principles and appeal to judges who have taken oath under the PCO.

"I don’t need the office of Prime Minister. If Pakistan is safe, then Nawaz Sharif can become Prime Minister, " he added. (ANI)