Senior PML-N leader Senator Ishaq Dar expressed optimism on Wednesday about a potential meeting between party supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, following weeks of relentless criticism from the PPP.
In an interview on Dawn News show “Live with Adil Shahzeb,” Senator Dar addressed the mounting criticism from the PPP in the lead-up to Nawaz’s return and the possibility of a meeting between the party leaders. He stated, “There is no restriction on a meeting; it should happen and will hopefully take place in the near future.”
Senator Dar also mentioned that Nawaz Sharif is currently preoccupied with his legal issues following his return to Pakistan.
Responding to criticism from the PPP, Senator Dar emphasized the PML-N’s previous “very good working relationship” with the party. He considered it “inappropriate” to respond to critical statements from PPP leaders, given the enduring relationship between the two parties that is expected to continue in the future.
Furthermore, Senator Dar expressed his personal desire for major political parties to collectively contribute to moving the country forward.
These comments from Senator Dar are in response to the PPP’s objections to the decision by the Punjab caretaker government to suspend Nawaz’s sentence in the Al-Azizia reference. The PPP described it as a transgression on the part of the provincial administration, implying it was a means to provide relief to the former prime minister.
The PPP’s General Secretary, Syed Hassan Murtaza, had criticized the suspension of the sentence, emphasizing that it was not within the purview of the caretaker government. He urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of this act, which they perceived as favoritism toward the PML-N leader in the upcoming polls.
In an effort to ease the political tensions and concentrate on securing relief for Nawaz Sharif in graft cases, the PML-N has chosen to re-establish “close coordination” with its former coalition government allies. This decision was made during a meeting at Jati Umra and will involve reaching out to the PPP, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl, and other parties associated with the ‘defunct’ Pakistan Democratic Movement.
Nawaz Sharif is anticipated to initiate contact with Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Akhtar Mengal, and others to convey his gratitude for their moral support throughout his ordeal. The PML-N has indicated that it will avoid engaging in a confrontation with the PPP and will refrain from responding to the PPP’s critical remarks about the relief granted to the PML-N leader by the judiciary.
Recently, the PPP has expressed concerns about an uneven playing field leading up to the forthcoming polls, expected to be held in January of the next year.