-- Prime Minister, Zardari discuss growing tensions between government and military
The PML-N was represented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid, and Additional Secretary to Prime Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad while PPP delegation comprised Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Senator Raza Rabbani and Advisor to the Sindh Chief Minister for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah.
The sources said the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting after a delegation-level meeting. During their one-on-one meeting the two leaders discussed the ongoing trial of General Pervez Musharraf (Retd) and tension between the government and military. They also discussed on-going operation in Karachi and anti-terrorism laws.
Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a warm welcome by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival via helicopter at the Prime Minister House. The Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of Zardari. After the meeting, PPP Senator Raza Rabbani while talking to the media stated that the meeting was held in a conducive environment and discussions were broad based.
He said that reservations of the PPP and other opposition parties on the Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2013 and implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment were conveyed to Prime Minister Nazwaz Sharif. He said the meeting also discussed the on-going development projects in Sindh province. In response to a question, Rabbani said several issues, including the trial of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, were discussed during the meeting. He added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was overseeing the dialogue process with the Taliban.
Rabbani stated that the PPP would always stand by political forces at a difficult time for democracy. He said the Prime Minister has directed Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid to evolve a consensus by taking opposition parties, including PPP, into confidence on the Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2013.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that no issue pertaining to the releases under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award came under discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister and former President Asif Ali Zardari. Dar while briefing the media on the success of Eurobond stated that NFC releases did not come under discussion during the delegation -level and one-on-one talks. According to a handout issued by the Prime Minister Secretariat, Asif Ali Zardari met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at PM House on Wednesday. Both the leaders showed strong resolve to work for the prosperity and economic development of Pakistan.
They expressed their commitment to respect and strengthen all institutions in order to address the many challenges faced by Pakistan including those of security, health, education and poverty for a better future. The leaders jointly reviewed the political situation in the country and expressed satisfaction on the progress of political institutions. The decision to respect the mandate of people in different provinces was appreciated and continued co-operation between federation and provinces was also lauded.
The Prime Minister apprised the ex-President and his team about his development vision and the strategy with reference to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and apprised them that the projects in the province of Sindh have been given a high priority. A number of projects in energy and infrastructure sectors in Sindh have been included for execution on a priority basis during the first three years. The Prime Minister urged that implementation mechanism in Sindh may be upgraded.
Issues regarding various legislations, including Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, amendments in Anti-Terrorism Act and future legislative agenda, were also discussed. It was agreed that all political forces should develop a consensus on a 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.
It was agreed that the people of Pakistan have huge expectations from their elected representatives and it is now imperative that the elected representatives live up to their expectations with first priority to needs of the common man which include 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 the on-going Karachi operation was discussed.
INP adds: both the leaders agreed that there should be no compromise on rule of law and they would work collectively to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions. According to reports, the two leaders said they were committed to following the charter of democracy. Zardari thanked the Prime Minister for his assistance to Thar drought affectees. Both the sides agreed to continue operation in Karachi to rid the mega city of all sorts of crimes. Later, the Prime Minister hosted a sumptuous lunch for former President Zardari and his team members. Zardari also extended invitation to Nawaz Sharif for a dinner at Bilawal House, Karachi. Earlier, former President arrived at the Noor Khan airbase through a special aircraft and then flew to Prime Minister House via helicopter.