Nawaz, Zardari vow to ‘safeguard’ state in rare telephonic call

PPP's co-chairman in a separate statement says sun of Feb 8 will rise with the message of Bilawal’s victory

In a significant development following the return of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to the country, former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari engaged in a telephonic conversation with the ex-prime minister on Monday, extending his congratulations on Sharif's homecoming and pledging their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding the state, as reported by Express News.

Sources within the PML-N revealed that the conversation primarily revolved around conveying felicitations to Nawaz Sharif for his return to Pakistan, with both leaders expressing their determination to work together to address the country's challenges.

During their discussion, Zardari and Sharif also committed to making critical decisions to alleviate the economic hardships faced by the people.

Read More: Nawaz’s deal with establishment 'finally exposed’: Aitzaz

Insiders from the PML-N have hinted at the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif in the near future.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, while speaking to the media in Karachi, on the other hand refuted the news about the telephonic conversation held today between his father and Sharif.

He said the former president had held this conversation at the time of Sharif’s return to the country. Bilawal said the news is true but old, asserting that it was always good to have negotiations as the door for talks should always remain open.

The PPP chairman remarked that the news was not that huge like it was being portrayed in the media.

He emphasised that political parties always hold talks about resolving issues that the country faces. This he said while alluding that these discussions should be taken as routine exercise, and nothing special.

Bilawal said that the PPP would engage with every political party to address issues that country was grappled with, claiming to register victory in the upcoming elections.

Earlier, a PML-N meeting was convened with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif presiding over the session in Lahore.

However, PML-N's Information Secretary, Marriyum Aurangzeb, refuted reports regarding the discussions during the party gathering, dismissing them as baseless and stemming from unverified sources. She clarified that only the party's information secretary had the authority to release news related to the party's meetings.

Marriyum Aurangzeb also criticised the PPP for raising concerns about an uneven playing field ahead of the upcoming elections and advised them to actively participate and prepare for the electoral process.

In response to Marriyum's remarks about a level-playing field, PPP leader Faisal Karim Kundi humorously alluded to their former coalition partner's connection to the Avenfield apartments case.

It is worth noting that Nawaz Sharif was convicted in the Avenfield apartments case by an accountability court in 2018, and he filed an appeal before the IHC to overturn his sentences in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases upon his return.

Read More: Plea against Nawaz fixed for hearing

Kundi expressed the PPP's confidence in succeeding in the forthcoming elections and drew a parallel with their victory in 1988. He highlighted the party's resilience, emphasising their ongoing engagement and participation in electoral contests. Furthermore, Kundi suggested that Nawaz Sharif's aspiration to become the prime minister would likely remain a wish.

He also hinted at a forthcoming 'surprise' in Lahore, which is considered a stronghold of the PML-N, during the elections on February 8, underlining the PPP's determination to make an impact in the general elections. Kundi noted that Nawaz Sharif received a tepid response from Lahore upon his return.

‘Sun of Feb 8 will rise with message of Bilawal’s win’

Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari, in an official statement issued today, welcomed the announcement of the election date and said, “The sun of February 8 will rise with the message of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s victory.”

He added: “A few days of the public’s difficulties are left. The PPP will bring an end to the people’s ordeals.”

Zardari also expressed his gratitude to the people of Sindh province following the Pakistan Peoples Party's success in the recent local government by-elections. Zardari acknowledged the widespread support for the party in Karachi, highlighted by the slogan "Jeyay Bhutto" resounding throughout the city, often regarded as the heart of Sindh.

Zardari particularly praised the victories of Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab and Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, considering their success a significant message from Karachi's residents to the PPP's political opponents. He also lauded the dedicated efforts of party workers, recognising their pivotal role in securing victory in the local government by-elections.