Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday vowed that no one will be allowed to harm the country’s democratic system.
The affirmation was made at a one-on-one meeting between Sharif and Zardari held at Prime Minister’s house to discuss the national security and political situation.
During their meeting the two leaders discussed several issues including recent tensions between the military and government, Taliban talks, Protection of Pakistan Ordinance.
The ongoing operation in Karachi and anti-terrorism laws were also discussed.
According to sources, Zardari assured support to Sharif on all matters of national interest and both leaders vowed that no one will be allowed to harm the country’s democratic system.
Sources said the prime minister also sought support from the former president for the passage of the controversial PPO due to the numerical superiority of the Pakistan People’s Party in the Senate. The ordinance, which had been rushed through the National Assembly by the government, faces stiff resistance in the upper house of parliament by a numerically stronger opposition led by the PPP.
However, the PPP leader made it clear that it would not support the PPO until some ammendments were made in the ordinance.
Earlier, a delegation level meeting between the two sides was attended by the leader of Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Senator Raza Rabbani and Murad Ali Shah and federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Zahid Hamid and Fawad Hassan.
The two leaders discussed the dialogue with the Taliban, Karachi Operation and the anti-terrorism law.
Federal Minister Zahid Hamid briefed the meeting regarding Protection of Pakistan Bill while member of Government committee Fawad Hassan Fawad briefed the PPP delegation on latest update of dialogue with Taliban.
It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the departure of Zardari from the presidency.
The two leaders also discussed the civil and military relations.
Former president Zardari later attended a luncheon hosted in his honour by Sharif.
Earlier, Zardari arrived at the Prime Minister House on Wednesday on a helicopter. He was accompanied by opposition leader in the National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah, Senator Raza Rabbani, and Syed Murad Ali Shah.
