It looks like the sweets former premier Nawaz Sharif received from President Asif Ali Zardari on his birthday are working a treat. Associates of both leaders are now trying to arrange a one-on-one meeting between Zardari and Sharif.
The move would be a symbolic demonstration of unity amid growing suspicion within the two largest parties that the security establishment is out to derail democracy.
Officials from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) told The Express Tribune that both men were afraid of ‘emerging threats to democracy’ in the form of the establishment backing a so-called third political force.
Both leaders, their affiliates said, are worried about the rising popularity of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and believe that a ‘hidden hand’ is behind the former cricketer’s rise.
“Imran is their utmost worry at the moment … they think he is being pampered to limit their political influence and the situation may force them to try to find minimum common grounds,” a PPP official said. “That is why most of us and Mian [Nawaz Sharif] Sahib’s party members believe that a meeting between the two can send out a strong message that we are united to save democracy from any assault or infiltration,” he added, asking to not be identified.
A top official from the PML-N also confirmed that efforts were underway to arrange a meeting between the president and the opposition party chief. In a background conversation, several other leaders from both sides said that reduced tension between the two parties was in the interests of both Zardari and Sharif.
The president, some of them added, desperately needed a political boost after an apparent standoff with the military over the Memogate scandal, while Sharif’s fears that the next parliamentary elections might get delayed, minimising his chances to win them, would be allayed.
“It will be a win-win situation for both of them,” said a PML-N member.
Officials from both sides said there had been talks between the two leaders since reports emerged that the military hierarchy wanted to replace the PPP administration with a national unity government. “That was a game changer,” a PML-N leader said.
There have been signs of a détente throughout the week.
According to Zardari’s spokesperson, Farhatullah Babar, the president sent a bouquet and sweets to Sharif on his birthday on December 25. Then, in his address to a rally on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto two days later, Zardari said he had highest regard and respect for Sharif.
Babar, however, did not respond when asked if a meeting was being planned between them in the coming weeks.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2012.
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@aslam: It is not a fabricated report. It is a reality. Some powerful media personalities and a real estate tycoon are making hectic efforts to bring the two dynasties together to share the roost. Our president is too clever a person and Mian Sahib lacks all of those elements of wisdom which a politician must have. So once again Mian Sahib is getting ready to have a cozy hug with the President, may be this time for learning some politics from him.
So much foe the Politics of Principles... they seem more concerned with their own survival than that of the country and people..!
We are tired of these two faces. Honestly the "LEADER" world cannot be used for them.
We want IMRAN KHAN at any cost.
We want Justice, Educated Society, Tolerance and a NEW PAKISTAN,
I did not see any of them to present pakistan in front of Western Media,so if they cannot present our nation in a decent way since they are not educated and for sure from now onward we strickly do not want them.They will combine,will make plan but this time we are watching for ALLAH REGHMAT to get rid of these lobby
I have seen IMRAN KHAN in many interviews defending Pakistan in decent way in front of western media, He is educated from OXFORD
HOPE FOR CHANGE-IMRAN KHAN
Btw democracy is one way of making govt. Not the only way. Next democratic govt. will have same excuse that problems cames as inheritance I think all political parties should packup as only militry rule suits this country,
@ Salman, Isnt nawaz sharif the one leading the charge on Memogate to derail democracy on queue of the establishment.
Democracy is a black hole
@All those brothers who calls PTI to be a party of educated and clean people:
Dear brothers, there is no doubt that most of the voters and supporters of either party are educated and clean too. Lets not talk about the expected "ticket holders", then there is not a big difference.
But if you talk about voters please be very very careful. It seems like many people have grown in to a mis-conception that all other parties are being supported by "uneducated" and "corrupts". Please give us respect, we are educated and not corrupt. Also we are supporting Mr. XYZ under our own wisdom.
any how lose will be of PML (N) because PPP has nothing else to lose...
These are my principles if you don't like them I have others. Nawaz, Zardari followers of Groucho Marks philosophy
@MUNIB "PMLn and PPP are two faces of ONE coin." Well now it seems that PTI and PML-Q are two faces of the same coin, the only thing left for PTI to do is get Musharraf in their team, which Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi has suggested they just might do.
Pakistani people must take a chance with PTI. The way things are going, pakistan days are numbered. I personally know people who are willing to return to Pakistan if PTI comes into power. On the flip side, educated people will abandon Pakistan for good.
IS the guy standing behind zardari saves all over his face??????
I agreed its a fabricated news. We always detracked in search of change. Change is with dmocracy. Look at all democratic countries how much parties thay have only two... are they fixers or turn takers???? Its how democracy evolute and lead to change.In pakistan establishment always create third forces, they need instable govts. As far meeting is concerned their ll be meetings between IK, NS and Zardari and all party leaders.they shoud sit together why not? Its mentality created by establishment to not allow pliticians to sit together. All should join heads on common issues.
This is not a new news, they are united for last four years.
For last four years NS is saying he is supporting Zardari to save this system and now all of a sudden he wants to bring change. I never see someone so confused in my whole life.
If Nawaz Sharif and PML-N does join a united front or join forces, this will badly dent in the image of PML-N, who has been carrying an anti-PPP and "Go Zardari Go" stance .
they will have to join hands Not to 'defend democracy' but to save themselves from democracy which is another word for accountability at all levels. They are partners in crime of corruption, we need new leadership. the establishment will try to deliver another shade of Asif Zardari because NO body worth the name can stand scrutiny of public accountability. forming unholy alliances is the only way out for them....GOD bless poor people of Pakistan and save them from the corrupt association of tested and tried... Nawaz, Zardari and establishment.
Dear PTI supporters. How would you explain the stupid consideration by PTI to make alliances with Musharraf? http://tribune.com.pk/story/315035/pti-will-consider-all-circumstances-for-alliance-with-musharraf-qureshi/
I hope this happens. This will only benefit Imran Khan.
Wow...i'll tell u the hand behind PTI..There called the people of Pakistan. Imran Khan is the one politican who actually seems to show that he loves this country as much as the common man. PTI 2012!!!
None of these political parties have interest with Pakistani Nation. They have only concern which is How can they Snatch more & more "Property in the form of land, monet etc"
@aslam: 1 year later Imran Khan comes to power fixes all problems alsam: Now we know Imran Khan is a party of the people
Shame on us!!! these two hypocrites (nawaz nd zardari) are making us fool in front of us and still we are supporting them. whatever bad is happening in pak, we are responsible for it because we vote for them despite of knowing that they are corrupts and they dont want third force to come in power and to save country from these ghoostsss( bre bhai nd chota bhai).
@aslam: I strongly agree. Where are the sources? Flimsy headline at best to please PTI trolls. Seems both medi and PTI have gotten scared after Gujranwala jalsa ... haha
Which democracy do they want to save exactly? The democracy that gave the pakistan people No water No gass No electric No justice No law and order
This democracy is "nawaz-zardari's version of democracy", where they want the 2 parties to keep taking turns in power and looting the country. This is why they meeting to ensure how to save the setup of looting lol
Its not the real democracy. I really hope pakistan has 2 new parties which get rid of these old fashioned parties.
@Reel: Mate, wake up! PTI is the new PML Q.
As far as PML-n goes, didnt they actually resign from federal govt on a matter of principle - the resignation over a matter of principle was unprecedented in Pakistan's history.
This headline is speculative at best.
people worried sick that two of the most popular parties are joining hands. If they do then all other parties combined cant compete with them when it comes to seats. Rural Sindh and Punjab is still all PPP or PML-N.
Sharif bros.. Who's the lota now? Lol
yes ....twin brothers have one goal...corruption ....
It was true then and it is true now :)
http://tinyurl.com/7g34ypx
@Muhammad Faizan ul haq: Tanvir bhai didnt meet me either. That makes the two of us who were skipped, which explains the 98%.........lol.
hahahahaha .. The easiest thing is "propaganda" and then "criticism" hahaha
+Zardari +Sharif= IK + Mush ....@ power (+ MQM)
...
Democracy is not only winning election but also delivering. This govt has seriously failed in doing so. Hope people make a better decision next time.
Perfect scene for a stunning turning point in the movie. When the new kid, suspected to be a mule, arrives on the block and tries to capture ground, the bosses of the older groups, henceforth engaged in a deadly and bitter turf war, try to find MCG (minimum common ground) in a rare and very dramatic 1-on-1 meeting (with strong suspense music). The common ground shouldn't be too difficult to find; as a starting point, both groups have a one point agenda: Rupiah Banaao. If this scene is filmed carefully, it could propel the movie into being a block buster with record Collections on the opening day in the scheduled, all-theatre launch date in 2013 unless divine intervention advances the date (Sneak preview: Courtesy, Long March Productions, Bhati Gate, Lahore).
@Tanveer, 98% lol You didnt meet me then :P !!!
PPP & PML (n) will not find a way to save their dirty politics now. I've talked with the masses of Pakistan in previous 6 months & 98% of them are ready to vote for Imran Khan. They will do even worst things to PTI in near future but that will make them more bad in public eye... PPP & pml (n) will destroy the whole country for their own interests so please everyone open up your eyes & mind & support this change.....
Not a good move, this does not make a natural alliance and will not work. However, that is politics of Pakistan where a new birth PTI is going towards an alliance with MQM. Nothing is impossible here.. This is yet another news !!!!
I absolutely agree with NS and AZ to unite against establishment conspiracies; look what Asma Jehangir says about Supreme Court judges that they are party to Army to derail democracy. We should learn some lessons from our history if we have some respect as a nation. IK is coming up well and I also support all his slogans but saying other two parties are taking turns is an outright nonsense. They have been removed every time they took office by the establishment. I agree this PPP govt disappointed the nation by it's corruption and abject governance but it should by no means allowed to be removed by unconstitutional means and shadowy intrigues. I really like IK but we must condemn anyone who becomes instrumental in derailing democracy. @Mirza:
So when Imran told they were having this thing called 'noora kushti', he was actually speaking the truth.
It proves it all. In reality PPP and PMLN are the same. Both doing government at the same time. Both taking turns one after another. They are in collusion to save the so called democracy and give the people of Pakistan poverty, unemployment, lawlesness, and misery.
@Reel: that did happen in ramzan
@A Shahid: that did happen in ramzan
I would be very interested in seeing what Imran Khan can do by confronting the US and the West in general. Where does he plan to get his funding from? With an economy on the slide revenue collection will be the biggest challenge. Interesting times.
Imran Khan
Is the Great President in Future.
those who still support these are against paksitan
@RH:r yu a mad what a good step....they have afraid of IMRAN KHAN...geo IMRAN u r true leader..........RH........to tere mian ne go zardari go rally keun ki?dar gye hain donon.......IMRAN KHAN zindabad PTI paendabad
The man did say that these two were two sides of the same coin and that they would eventually get together.
Well predicted Imran....
The only good thing which Mian Nawaz Sharif has done during the last four years is that he has taken the Memogate case to Supreme Court. Now if he backs out or tries to wriggle out then he will be actually digging a grave for his own political career.
Speculative headline at best.
Its not a suprize,Nawaz is making history repeat itself, is he ready to sit in the opposition for the next 5 yrs?
Imran khan you r a true visionary leader.
A slap on the face of so called liberal anchors and media for bashing IK. These anchors and liberal writers will keep on worshiping these two politicians.
I am waiting for that call to Chahdhuary Shujaat. IK predicted it. If that materializes, Imran is on a roll.
Great news!! The epic battle between the status quo (PPP, PMLN) forces and the only real change (PTI) in the country is shaping up. The battle to win the very heart and soul of Pakistan begins earnestly.
Vienna,January 1,2012 It is all about Democracy Match being fixed.Cricketer Imran Khan is the best bet, watch out. President Asif Ali Zardari is doing the fixing with Nawaz Sharif with sweets.Even in the old style leak management lime and raw sugar/jagri are mixed for fixing! Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
Main sahib what about "Go-Zardari-Go" movement ???
Finally, our politicians are realising that the only way to keep the establishment in check is for political forces to put up a united front. Good step.
Precisely what Imran Khan has been saying all along . . . these two parties have an agreement to take turns at looting the people. PTI is a threat to them because it will open the eyes of the people when they see what good and honest governance delivers.
Fabricated news, just to give promotion to PTI, oh yes media, play your dirty tricks, first we know, PTI was party of establishment now, we know, PTI is also the party of media.
To stop the assault on democracy from the generals supported by the SC, it is about time the democratic forces join hands. This is the last chance in life for NS to come out in support of democracy and constitution. He knows full well that the generals do not trust him anymore and he is going to be the biggest loser if he goes with them. The generals have found a new face and a new King’s Party. It is about time the two major parties review the CoD signed by both PPP and PML-N and stop badmouthing each other. Elections are a year away and they would have ample time to campaign but let us govern now.
"dekh na..election say pehlay yeh dono ek hojaye gay" - IK, about two months ago.
With this move, PMLN will loose whatever credibility that it is left with. I thought that Mr. Sharif has gained some political maturity with time and experience but this move would clearly show that he is the same naive person that he was in nineties.
Geo Imram, another your prediction is going to prove as truth... :)
SHARM TUM KO MAGAR NAHI AATI...
Typical!!! Nothing new..if PMLN was a true opposition, they would have resigned a long time ago..don't worry PPP and PMLN, even if you are together..you cannot stop the youth rising under IK and PTI Umberlla!!!
Do what ever you want...the people of Pakistan are not sheep now..they know what they want and have self integrity..only SC, Media and PTI can save Pakistan InshaALlah!!!
People of Pakistan should not vote for this unholy combination who have brought the country to a brink.
There you go. Didnt IK said these have fix their turns? PMLn and PPP are two faces of ONE coin. In the name of democracy you cant hide your failures, your corruption, incompetency and ill-intentions.
IK was saying this for many years now. These two want to distributed Democracy like a cake not allowing others. Both are saving each other and want to turn PAK into a personal property of Raiwind and Larkana. We are sick and tired of these two and want change.
This is their way of sending a Happy New Year greeting for the Awam.
I wonder where does 'democracy' goes when it comes to Electricity, gas, food, inflation, lawlessness, corruption etc etc?