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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
‘Come back for Pakistan’s sake’
* PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari says party not ‘afraid’ of agreements
* Urges Nawaz to allow return of judges willing to come backISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed his dismay over the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parting ways with the ruling coalition on Monday, and urged PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif to rejoin the coalition government for the sake of Pakistan and democracy. Talking to PTV, Zardari said the PPP wanted continuing support from Nawaz in its bid to strengthen democratic institutions. “We seek forgiveness from Nawaz if his feelings are hurt. I want to take Nawaz on board, as there are immense difficulties ahead. Perhaps I cannot tell the whole truth to the nation,” he said. Zardari said the journey towards democracy – jointly started by the PPP and PML-N – had met some success in the form of election of the prime minister and General (r) Pervez Musharraf’s ouster. Zardari said that despite difficulties, both the coalition partners had jointly defeated the former dictator without waging any war. He said the PPP would continue to convince the PML-N chief to return to the coalition, as the survival of the PPP was linked to the survival of the PML-N. Zardari said Nawaz was aware of the difficulties faced by the coalition. Not afraid: Commenting on the written agreements between the two parties, he said both the parties had jointly signed a political understanding, adding the PPP was not scared of agreements. Referring to Musharraf’s resignation, he said some “friends” had helped in ousting the former dictator. Zardari said Pakistan could not afford a confrontation. Come back: Regarding the reinstatement of sacked judges, he urged Nawaz to allow the return of those judges who wanted to come back. Zardari said Nawaz had admitted that 10 judges were ready to take oath. He urged Nawaz to come forward and the matter of chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would also be resolved. “Nawaz should support the PPP now and in future the PPP will co-operate with him,” Zardari concluded. app
Courtesy DailyTimes