LAHORE:
President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for political unity among coalition partners, suggesting that the government adopt a collective approach in the national interest during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Governor House in Lahore on Sunday, where discussions ranged from the prevailing political and security situation in the country, to recent engagements with friendly countries, as well as climate change.
The meeting was attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Senator Saleem Mandviwala.
The participants also reviewed the outcomes of the prime minister’s recent visits to friendly nations and their significance for Pakistan’s foreign relations.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of coordination and cooperation among political allies, underscoring the need for unity in the current political landscape.
President Zardari, while highlighting the importance of public welfare, urged the government to take practical and impactful measures in the upcoming budget to provide relief to the common man.
“The government must take measures in the upcoming budget to provide relief to the common man,” the president stressed.
He further reiterated the need for unity among coalition partners, stating: “Political allies need to move forward together in the national interest.”
It is pertinent to mention that Zardari has been staying in the provincial metropolis since last weekend. Initially, it was disclosed that he was here only for the match, following which he would stay a day or two in Lahore before flying back.
A day earlier, two different party sources revealed that the president had been hosted by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during which Governor Sardar Saleem Haider was also present. However, there was no official confirmation from either side.
Several other party leaders claimed they were not aware of last week’s meeting, but observed a slight shift in the PPP’s posturing towards the PML-N, noting that “our criticism against Maryam and her team was not as harsh as it once was”.
Party insiders hope that the meeting will strengthen ties between the two parties in Punjab, providing their leaders with access to the provincial budget.
