Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) warmly welcomed the return of former president and party’s co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari after 18 months of self-exile, with a public gathering at the Old Terminal of Jinnah International Airport (JIA) on Friday (today) in Karachi .
Asif Ali Zardari returned to Pakistan after abruptly leaving the country in June last year following a hard-hitting speech in which he lashed out at the military establishment for overstepping its domain.
In his June 16, 2015, speech, the former president had said army chiefs ‘come and go every three years’ but that the political leadership was here to stay. “We know the country better and we know how to run its affairs,” he had said.
-Prime Minister welcomes Zardari-
When sought comment on the return of Asif Ali Zardari to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said in a statement to journalists Sarajevo, “Frankly, I am happy on his return. He should come and take over the reins of his party.”
The Prime Minister said he was in favour of political affinity and mentioned “the Charter of Democracy” signed along with PPP.
He said despite differences with PPP, Sharif said his party did not adopt the policy of agitation and sit-ins.
Read more: He is back: “You come and go every three years but we…”