.:: SAMAA - PPP says PML-N to form govt in Punjab

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Sunday that PPP has asked PML-N to form government in the Punjab. Speaking at the provincial parliamentary party meeting of PPP at the Governor House, he said that PPP will sit in the opposition, participate in its proceedings and will lend all support to the government in the Punjab Assembly.

Zardari also called for an end to the foward bloc in the PML-N.

PPP Punjab Parliamentary Leader Raja Riaz talking to the media after the meeting concluded said, President Zardari has confirmed that the Governor's rule will be lifted in the next 2 to 3 days and the PPP will sit in opposition in support of the PML-N.

"If the government is restored at the February 24 status and Shahbaz Sharif is reinstated as chief minister Punjab then we will redefine our policy," he added.

Bilawal Bhutto had specially come to attend the meeting, Raja Riaz said.

Zardari said “Setting a new good example of tolerance, we have given full chance to PML-N for formation of government in Punjab.” The future line of action will now exclusively rest with the conduct of PML-N towards PPP, he added.

He said PPP always, since its inception, firmly believed in supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, national cohesion, solidarity, sovereignty and promotion of democratic system of government.

He said PPP is making all sincere efforts to strengthen democracy in the country.

It had rendered record number of sacrifices in the political history of Pakistan, especially the Bhutto family for the restoration and promotion of democracy in the country.

Zardari said that PPP will leave no stone unturned to promote the politics of tolerance, decency and do away with the politics of confrontation and agitation across the country.

He said that PPP will continue to take the process of reconciliation forward, which is one of the most important elements for resolving all political disputes peacefully.

He said as a result of successful reconciliation efforts, he had announced the lifting of Governor Rule in Punjab during his address to joint session of the parliament and asked PML-N to form government in the province.

Zardari said that PPP will continue to pursue its historic manifesto of “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” and urged the parliamentary party to work with devotion for the welfare of the people.

He said the messages of the founder of the PPP Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto must be conveyed properly to the people at grassroots level in every nook and corner of the country.

Chairman PPP, Bilawal Zardari Bhutto briefly speaking on the occasion categorically endorsed all the policies being pursued by his father. He said that whatever President Asif Ali Zardari is doing, he should be politically strengthened.

Bilawal said his father, who had contributed immensely for the promotion and restoration of democracy, is following the footprints of his late grandfather and mother.

Bilawal Bhutto, in his address, reiterating his late mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's words said, "Democracy is the best revenge."

He said his father and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari had given tremendous sacrifices for Pakistan and democracy.

Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer, President PPP Punjab Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, former senior minister Raja Riaz Ahmed other party stalwarts including Qasim Zia, Chaudhary Asghar Gujjar attended the meetings besides all party MNAs and MPAs. -SAMAA/APP