PPP and PML-N agree to cease fire

Tuesday, 22 Dec, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The PPP and the PML-N have reached an accord under which the former has assured the latter of doing away with the 17th Amendment and in return the PML-N has promised to support President Asif Ali Zardari in the current political crisis.

According to sources in the presidency, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani apprised president on Monday of the outcome of his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore earlier in the day.

Mr Gilani informed the president that the PML-N had promised to support the PPP in the situation that has arisen after the scrapping of the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

A marked difference was observed in the stance of the PML-N after the Lahore meeting.

‘We have never demanded resignation of President Zardari and we don’t want any confrontation at this stage,’ PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said.

‘We believe that in the present circumstances the president is the best judge to decide whether or not he should resign,’ he said.

He said the PML-N had always urged the PPP to fulfil the commitments it had made in the Charter of Democracy.

‘If the PPP fulfils its commitments, addresses people’s problems and ensures good governance we will not demand any change.’

A PPP leader said: ‘Our leadership believes that the fresh stance of the opposition party is a big achievement and will provide further strength to the government to face different challenges.’

PML-N leader Siddiqul Farooq also issued a statement which said: ‘Our party’s position is that Zardari should not resign.’

He said the PML-N believed that President Zardari enjoyed immunity under Article 248 the Constitution and no case could be reopened against him.

A source in the presidency said: ‘The ruling party is confident that attempts to derail the democratic system can be foiled by forging unity among political parties.’

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar termed the statements of PML-N leaders in support of President Zardari a significant development in the current political situation.