ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed their commitment to fight tooth and nail against all unconstitutional steps and support each other to strengthen democracy.
Both the leaders vowed to respect and strengthen all the institutions in order to address the multifarious challenges facing Pakistan for the better future of the nation.They joined hands and showed unity to combat any aggression against the democratic dispensation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accorded a warm welcome to former president Asif Ali Zardari at the Prime Minister House and the two leaders jointly reviewed the overall situation in the country and expressed satisfaction over the progress of political institutions.
Prior to the one-on-one meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari held delegation-level talks. Minister for Finance Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid and PPP leaders — opposition leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah, PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani and Sindh minister Murad Ali Shah — were also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, both the leaders showed a strong resolve to work for the prosperity and economic development of Pakistan.The decision to respect the mandate of the people in different provinces was appreciated and continued cooperation between federation and the provinces was also lauded.
The prime minister apprised the ex-president and his team about his development vision and the strategy with reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and assured them that the projects in the province of Sindh had been given high priority.
A number of projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Sindh had been included for execution on a priority basis during the first three years.The prime minister urged that the implementation mechanism in Sindh should be upgraded. Issues regarding various legislations, including the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, amendments in the Anti-Terrorism Act and the future legislative agenda, were also discussed.
It was agreed that all the political forces should develop a consensus on legislation for their effective implementation and Zahid Hamid was asked by the prime minister to carry out another consultative process with all political parties to address their reservations, if any.
They decided that the people of Pakistan had huge expectations from their elected representatives and it was now imperative that the elected representatives lived up to their expectations with priority giving to the needs of the common man which included employment, health, education and shelter.
The prime minister expressed his desire to work with all political forces for achieving these objectives.The present law and order situation in the country, with particular reference to ongoing Karachi operation, was also discussed.
According to reports, the two leaders said they were committed to follow the Charter of Democracy (CoD) according to its true spirit and the sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto for democracy in the country would not be allowed to go to waste.
For his part, Mr Zardari assured that the PPP would extend full support to the PML-N government in the interest of the country.Sources said during the talks, which were held in a very cordial atmosphere, former President Zardari asked Nawaz Sharif to take a principled stand on issues, a reference to the trial of Pervez Musharraf, saying it was an opportune time for the democratic institutions to assert their supremacy. He assured that the PPP would support the government within and out of parliament.
They said that former president Musharraf’s case was in the court and whatever its verdict it would be accepted by them.The sources added that Sindh Minister Murad Ali Shah referred to financial difficulties being faced by the provincial government at which the finance minister assured that the dues of the provincial government would be cleared as soon as possible.
Zardari thanked the prime minister for his assistance to the Thar drought affected people.Both sides agreed to continue the operation in Karachi to cleanse the megacity of all sorts of crimes.
Later, the prime minister hosted a sumptuous lunch for former president Zardari and his team members. Zardari also extended an invitation to Nawaz Sharif for a dinner at Bilawal House, Karachi.
Earlier, the former president arrived at the Noor Khan Airbase via a special aircraft and then flew to the Prime Minister House on a helicopter where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accorded him a very warm welcome.
Talking to newsmen outside the Prime Minister House after the meeting, Parliamentary leader of the PPP Parliamentarians Senator Raza Rabbani said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured a review of the Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) and directed Zahid Hamid to consult the opposition. “The reservations of the PPP and other opposition parties were conveyed to Prime Minister Nazwaz Sharif,” he said.
He said all the democratic forces would have to move forward together. “If a bad time arises, they will support the democratic forces,” he said.
When asked by a reporter if the meeting discussed a ‘Billa,’ Rabbani replied that all matters, including Musharraf, were discussed and the prime minister said the tension with the Pakistan Army was not that serious an issue.
Rabbani further told the reporters that talks with the Taliban, the problems of Sindh, provincial sovereignty, the NFC award and the Karachi operation were also discussed.To a question about government-Taliban talks, Senator Raza Rabbani said the PPP had no difference of opinion but being an opposition party they would continue to identify loopholes.
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