Nawaz asks PM Abbasi to check deteriorating economic situation

ISLAMABAD: PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has asked Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to check the country’s worsening economic situation and expedite working on development projects which have been initiated by him as the premier.

The PM had an important meeting Tuesday with Nawaz Sharif at the Punjab House. The two had extensive discussion regarding the political situation in the country and chalked out strategy for tackling upcoming developments. The meeting that took place in the wake of resignation of Sanaullah Zehri as chief minister Balochistan had added significance due to election for 52 seats of Senate supposed to be held in eight weeks. PML-N spokesman Dr Asif Saeed Kirmani and PM’s secretary Fawad Hasan Fawad were also present in the meeting.

Sources told The News that the meeting lasted about an hour. Nawaz appreciated the efforts and style of working by his successor and assured him unflinching support of the party. The two also discussed opposition’s plan to disrupt law and order by launching countrywide agitation next week. They were of the view that the slated agitation has no motive but to subvert the atmosphere for holding polls and stall country’s progress. The agitation could also hit Senate elections. Syed Tariq Fatemi, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Daniyal Aziz, Ch Jaffar Iqbal, Sh Aftab Ahmad, PM’s adviser Irfan Siddiqui, Punjab Governor Rafiq Rajwana, distinguished lawyer Akram Sheikh, Dr Asif Saeed Kirmani, senator Pervaiz Rashid and Hanif Abbasi had a meeting with Nawaz before the arrival of prime minister at the Punjab House. The Punjab House’s third and second floors were got vacated before the arrival of the premier that were packed with the workers and lawyers belonging to the PML-N. Nawaz received the prime minister at the outer gate of his residential enclosure and after the departure of premier left for Lahore immediately accompanied by Maryam Nawaz and Capt Safdar. The sources said prime minister also submitted report about the working and performance of his administration. He briefed his party head about the security situation and handling of sensitive aspects of the foreign affairs to seek his guidance, the sources added.