Zardari makes surprise return to Lahore
In an interesting development, President Asif Ali Zardari has returned to Lahore for a two-day stay during which he will hold a crucial meeting with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, sources revealed on Thursday.
This is Zardari's second visit to Punjab's provincial capital in a week. The president, who is also the PPP's co-chairman, was in Lahore on February 22 and February 23.
Earlier, it was reported that the president was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the stay. However, no such meeting took place.
The PPP supreme leader, however, held a meeting with the provincial leadership of the party, which apprised him of the difficulties the PPP was facing in the country's political powerhouse.
However, this time, the president is set to meet PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, sources said on Thursday.
They said the meeting will focus on discussing the challenges faced by the PPP in Punjab. Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan will also be present at the meeting.
Key decisions will be made to address PPP's concerns in Punjab. The president will also meet with leaders from Central Punjab, the sources added.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif on Thursday met with his party's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) leadership.
On this occasion, former senator and ANP's central information secretary Zahid Khan expressed his confidence in Nawaz's leadership and announced his decision to join the PML-N, reaffirming his commitment to playing an active political role.
According to a statement issued by the PML-N, Khan said the PML-N's ideology and programme under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif could help resolve Pakistan's and the K-P's current issues.
"Nawaz Sharif's government had restored peace in the K-P by eliminating terrorism and initiating development projects that benefited the people.
"The Lowari Tunnel project, which had been stalled for years, was completed under Nawaz Sharif's leadership, providing a major convenience to the people of Chitral," he added.
He also praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's performance, stating that the people of the K-P also desire PML-N's leadership in their province.
Nawaz Sharif welcomed Zahid Khan into the PML-N, acknowledging him as a seasoned political worker whose inclusion would strengthen the party.
He said, "The K-P is the heart of Pakistan, and its people have made great sacrifices in the Pakistan Movement and in the fight against terrorism."
He said the PML-N's agenda is to ensure the prosperity of the people and elevate Pakistan among developed nations.