On Qadri’s nod, Lahore sit-in could be prolonged: Zardari

LAHORE: Former president Asif Ali Zardari said he and Imran Khan represent two different sides but gulf between them may reduce with the passage of time.

Addressing a press conference Tuesday after holding a meeting with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, who called on Zardari at the Bilawal House, a night before the joint opposition power show on The Mall against the Shahbaz-led Punjab government, the former president said on the nod of Qadri, the PPP could prolong its ‘dharna’. This is noteworthy that Imran Khan and Asif Ali Zardari, two bitter political rivals will address the opposition gathering from the same container.

Criticising former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he said the PML-N leadership was only interested in the fulfilment of its own agenda and had no concern with masses.

To a question, he said Nawaz had even deviated from Pakistan ideology and the PPP would resist if he tried to become Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman, the rebel Bengali leader and founder of Bangladesh.

He also said time of Sharifs rule was over now and the PPP was siding with the PAT in latter’s struggle to seek justice for the Model Town martyrs. He said the Punjab government was responsible for the Model Town killings and the rulers would be sent home with people’s power.

Zardari, to a question regarding Imran Khan, the PTI chairman who would also address the gathering of joint opposition today, said both of them represented two different sides of a circle but with the passage of time, the distance might reduce.

He also added that every political party had its manifesto and would contest the polls as per its own agenda, adding the PPP wouldn’t form alliance with any party before the general elections. However, he said after the general elections, new alliances could not be ruled out. He said the PPP would ensure that the next elections were held in a transparent manner and wouldn’t let returning officers rig them.

Regarding Balochistan situation, he said he had prayed for the newly-elected CM of the province and prosperity could take place only if a Baloch could remain the chief executive there.