PM seeks support, Nawaz says he won’t rock the boat

LONDON – The PPP and the PML-N on Friday agreed to join hands to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in the country. The leadership of both parties made the pledge when Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani called on PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif at his Park Lane apartment in London to inquire after him following a heart surgery.
Nawaz has been resting since the surgery performed last month. Both leaders had an hour-long meeting and discussed political and economic situation of the country. Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan accompanied the prime minister. According to Online, Gilani said although the PPP and PML-N had separate directions in Punjab, both parties would keep working together for the promotion of the Charter of Democracy.
“No political party alone can face the ongoing challenges, all parties should play their role in a positive way,” the prime minister said, adding, “To counter the ongoing economic crisis, we need to take all decisions together and the PPP needs the PML-N’s support in this regard.” Nawaz said the PML-N believed in freedom of the judiciary and supremacy of parliament.
“The PML-N will not take any step which causes any threat to democracy,” the PML-N chief said, adding that his party intended to remove corruption from all institutions and the government should provide immediate relief to the masses. According to a press release, Gilani told reporters he had been in touch with the PML-N chief during his ailment.
To a question, Gilani said the case of a private TV channel was sub-judice, so he could not comment on the issue. He said PEMRA had abolished all draconian laws pertaining to press freedom, adding that the media in Pakistan was vibrant and thriving. To another query on the young doctors’ strike, the prime minister said both the federal and provincial governments were cognisant of the issue and appropriate steps had been taken for its resolution.
Nawaz thanked the prime minister for his visit and said he would be returning to Pakistan soon. He also conveyed his gratitude to all who prayed for his health and welfare.