Zardari links progress to centre-province coordination

President stresses unity, democratic continuity in meetings with PPP, cabinet members

LAHORE:

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that the country's progress and prosperity were contingent upon strong coordination between the federal and provincial governments as he called for joint strategies and institutional cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges.

"National development targets can only be achieved when the Centre and provinces work in tandem," Zardari said during a string of high-level meetings at the Governor House in Lahore.

The president met with PPP leaders, federal ministers and political workers to discuss political stability, economic recovery and public service delivery.

The meetings focused on the upcoming budget, the worsening economic situation and ongoing development projects.

It is pertinent to note that the meetings come as the president has intensified efforts to reorganise the PPP in Punjab, and has recently issued detailed organisational directives. He has also reportedly extended his stay in the provincial capital till June 1.

According to sources, the president repeatedly stressed the need for national unity, parliamentary strength and responsive governance.

In one session, a delegation led by former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf, accompanied by PPP Punjab President Syed Hassan Murtaza, Information Secretary Nawab Shehzad Cheema, Mehr Irshad Sia and others, briefed the president on constituency-level issues and shared suggestions for public relief.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider was also present.

Zardari said the country urgently needs political stability and national consensus, stressing that "democratic forces must walk together to ensure public welfare and national progress".