PM holds meeting with Nawaz in London today

ISLAMABAD: The political situation prevailing back in country would be discussed between leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif and visiting Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in London today (Thursday) in the presence of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Prime Minister Abbasi, Shahbaz Sharif, Khawaja Muhammad Asif have reached London late Wednesday evening from Istanbul. The prime minister had brief chat with Nawaz Sharif immediately after his landing in London. Some important decisions with far reaching impact on the political scenario would be taken after extensive deliberations in the huddle that will take place at the office of Nawaz Sharif’s younger son Hassan Nawaz tomorrow.

The issues regarding the streamlining of the Federally Tribal Administered Areas (Fata), adoption of constitutional amendment by the upper house of Parliament to pave way for holding of next general elections in the country, opposition’s agitation just before the Senate’s elections to scuttle the process would figure prominently in the meeting. The sources pointed out that Prime Minister Abbasi will take his party leader into confidence about immediate future political and administrative scenario believed to be emerging and the reports in this regard would also be thrashed out by the two.

Well placed political sources told The News that the stalwarts of the PML-N would finalise party position with regard to the demand made by the PTI for holding early polls in the country. It is understood that the PML-N leaders would evolve strategy to thwart any attempt to destabilise the government and methods to force government for dissolving the National Assembly and holding elections at an earlier date.

The sources reminded that the PML-N wouldn’t budge to any pressure or method for holding polls contrary to its political advantages. The discussion will also take place about the upcoming elections for 52 seats of the Senate. The electioneering process for the same would start next month.

The PML-N election campaign for the general elections and future ties with its political allies would also be discussed by the PML-N leaders. They will also discuss deteriorating economic situation in the country and methods to arrest the worsening trends.

Prime Minister Abbasi will also inquire after the health of former First Lady Begum Kalsum Nawaz and Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar during his overnight stay in London.

In the meanwhile Foreign Secretary Ms. Tehmina Janjua and some members of the personal staff of the prime minister who proceeded to Istanbul as part of the entourage of prime minister’s delegation have returned Islamabad late in the evening.

Prime Minister Abbasi, Shahbaz Sharif and Khawaja Muhammad Asif will return home tomorrow (Friday) in the wee hours.