Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: APP/AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was an ally of the government, adding that the PML-N valued and respected its partnership with the coalition partner.
The two parties share power at the federal level, although the PPP holds no positions in the cabinet. Relations between the allies have recently been strained, with both sides exchanging sharp words over the distribution of flood relief. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari maintained that the Benazir Income Support Programme was the only effective channel for assisting flood victims, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz accused the PPP of politicising the matter.
Key figures, including the prime minister and President Asif Ali Zardari, made concerted efforts to ease tensions. President Zardari also urged Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to help facilitate a possible reconciliation. Last week, the premier and PPP chairman spoke over the phone to discuss the country’s prevailing political situation.
On Thursday, a delegation led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the prime minister in the federal capital and discussed the overall political situation in the country.
PPP leader and MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Sherry Rehman, Nayyar Bukhari, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Syed Ali Qasim Gilani present on the occasion.
“Pakistan Peoples Party is our ally and we value our relationship and view it with respect,” the prime minister said.
The delegation paid tribute to the premier for Pakistan’s role in the Gaza Peace Agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Public Affairs Minister Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan were also present in the meeting.
Separately, a delegation led by Muttahida Qaumi Movement Convener Education and Professional Training Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui called on the prime minister and discussed the overall political situation in the country.
The delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, MNAs Farooq Sattar, Aminul Haq and Javed Hanif.
The premier said timely completion of ongoing development projects of the federal government was among the priorities.
The delegation paid tribute to the prime minister for Pakistan’s efforts regarding the Gaza Peace Agreement. With input from APP
