PM asks PPP to play role to strengthen democracy

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday visited the residence of former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani and felicitated him on the safe recovery and return of his son Ali Haider Gilani.

On the occasion, Nawaz said conspiracies were being hatched in the name of the Panama Leaks and the PPP should play a role to strengthen democracy.

Begum Kulsoom Nawaz and Sharif’s eldest son Hussain Nawaz also accompanied him during the visit. Fauzia Gilani, the former premier’s wife, and other family members including his sons – Ali Haider and Abdul Qadir – were also present during the meeting which continued for more than an hour.

The prime minister and his wife also presented a bouquet, sweets and fruits to Ali Haider and expressed good wishes for him.

According to family sources in Gilani House, the prime minister promised to continue the ongoing operation till the complete elimination of terrorism.

He described terrorism as the biggest problem of Pakistan which, he said, required joint efforts, adding that all the political parties should join hands to root out the menace.

Speaking on the occasion, Gilani said no one could imagine how they had spent the last three years without their son, while trying to hide the pain with a smile.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere where the hosts served drinks and fruits to the guests. Earlier, the prime minister and his family were warmly received by Gilani and his wife at the main entrance of their residence, 189 Y-Block, DHA in Lahore.

Strict security measures were made in the area during the prime minister’s visit, while the road leading to Gilani’s house was blocked with barricades. However, it was opened for traffic after Nawaz left the place.

A number of noted politicians have visited Gilani’s residence since the return of Ali Haider who spent three years in the captivity of Al-Qaeda after being kidnapped from Multan on May 8, just three days before the 2013 general elections. Notable among those are PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.