PM Nawaz hosts luncheon in President Zardari's honour

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in honour of outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari at the PM House here on Thursday.

Upon his arrival, President Zardari was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Sharif. The luncheon was attended by provincial governors, chief ministers, chief of the army staff, the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and heads of political parties.

Governor and Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, PM Azad Jammu and Kashmir, former premiers Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf were also invited.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said President Zardari was the first democratically elected president in the history of Pakistan to complete his five year term honourably.

“All constitution amendments during President Zardari’s tenure were made with consensus.”

The prime minister recalled his meeting with Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Bhutto during his exile in Jeddah. The prime minister added that he could never forget the day when Benazir Bhutto was assassinated.

President Zardari said his memories associated with the PM House were not pleasant and he turned his weaknesses into strength for the betterment of the country. The president further said that reforms such as the 18th amendment, renaming of NWFP as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and providing rights to FATA would not have been possible without reconciliation.

“The restoration of the 1973 constitution could not be possible without Nawaz Sharif.”

The president added that this was not the time for politics, adding that the time for politics would be after five years. “We will work under your (PM Nawaz) leadership and indulge in politics when you announce elections.”