PPP, PMLN to hold meaningful talks after Nawaz, Zardari meeting

ISLAMABAD: The leadership of PMLN and PPP will enter into meaningful negotiations after a meeting of Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari that could take place today (Sunday) in Lahore as it would determine the outlines for a workable alliance.

Earlier, the meeting was scheduled for Saturday but it was postponed in the morning. The meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari on Friday evening could not produce results but the two parties have agreed to enter into swift talks.

Sources said that three independent members-elect of the National Assembly have joined the PMLN and MQM-Pakistan delegation has arrived in Lahore Saturday evening for talks. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left Lahore for Islamabad and would not be joining the Nawaz-Asif talks. Meanwhile, sources said that apart from the basic decision about leading the government as prime minister, the slots of president, deputy prime minister, speaker National Assembly, deputy speaker, chairman Senate, deputy chairman Senate, provincial governors and significant portfolios would be subject of talks between the major coalition parties. Three former speakers of the National Assembly have returned to the House in Thursday’s polls. They are incumbent Raja Pervez Ashraf of PPP, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq PMLN and Asad Qaisar, PTI.