No party meetings as Zardari leaves Lahore

Two-day stay fuels speculation amid rumours over Bilawal's departure

LAHORE:

Without holding a single meeting with any member of his party in Lahore, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday left the provincial metropolis for Islamabad after a brief stay of around two days.

Against the backdrop of rumours about PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's departure from Pakistan - which The Express Tribune repeatedly tried to confirm with key party leaders - Zardari's visit has taken on a new importance.

A leader considered close to the party leadership said Asif Ali Zardari was not in Lahore to hold any meetings with the local party leadership.

He said the president was there for a much more important visit, adding that there were urgent matters that needed to be addressed away from prying eyes, which was why Lahore was chosen.

Asked about the rumours regarding Bilawal's departure, he said he too had heard them but was not in a position to confirm or deny the matter.

Interestingly, during his stay in Lahore, President Asif Ali Zardari held only one meeting, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was accompanied by businessman Gohar Ejaz.

It is pertinent to mention that party leaders had no information about his arrival in the city.

Several party leaders attempted to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, but, according to party leaders, all requests were turned down.

The PPP has not only taken a firm stance against the creation of new administrative units but has also adopted a hard-hitting position against the PML-N for ruling the country on the "crutches of the establishment".

Recently, Asif Zardari has also withheld his assent to the elevation of judges.

The Express Tribune reached out to Nadeem Afzal Chan and Shazia Marri to seek confirmation of the rumours regarding Bilawal, but could not get any response until the filing of this report.

PPP Kashmir leader Chaudhary Riaz said that Bilawal had left the valley but was not aware of his current whereabouts.