Opposition parties should have been allowed to meet crown prince: Gilani

Very happy with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan, says former premier

ISLAMABAD: Former premier and senior PPP leader Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday that opposition parties should have been given a chance to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who is on a historic two-day trip to the country.



Gilani made the statement while appearing at an accountability court in a case related to illegal tenders of advertisements. However, as Judge Arshad Malik was on leave, the hearing of the case was adjourned until March 11 without any proceedings.

The PPP leader also expressed his pleasure at the royal visit while speaking to the media outside the court.

“I am very happy with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan as the two countries enjoy cordial relations,” said Gilani.

Prince Salman arrived at Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad on Sunday evening. He was warmly received by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other government officials.

The government decided not to invite opposition leaders at the official banquet that was later hosted for the prince at the Prime Minister’s House.



According to Gilani, “When PPP was in the government, it not only let the opposition meet foreign guests but they were even allowed to stay in their homes.”

“Had I been the prime minister,” Gilani added, “I would have made the Saudi crown prince address the National Assembly.”