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Posts Tagged ‘Nawaz’

PM says ‘yes’ to Nawaz agenda

January 10th, 2011 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Accepting the 10-point demands a day ahead of the ‘so-called ultimatumÂ’ given by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that in his telephonic contact with Mian Nawaz Sharif he had assured him that government would not lose the opportunity of steering the country out of crises on implementing his agenda.
He was addressing the press conference at Prime MinisterÂ’s House soon after talking to Nawaz Sharif assuring him that government was ready to implement his agenda for bringing improvement in governance.
Before his chat with Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Gilani secured approval of the same from President Asif Ali Zardari and also took into confidence the parliamentary leaders including PML-Q President Ch Shujaat Hussain, MQM chief Altaf Hussain, PPP-S President Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Functional League head Pir Pagara, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan and FATA MPs leader Munir Orakazi. All these national leaders have endorsed the decision of Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party and hence it has acquired the shape of national agenda, Premier added.
To a question Prime Minister said that he did talk about the ultimatum given to his government by Nawaz Sharif but he said that he was quoted out of context and he had not given any ultimatum. Premier further said that after expressing the governmentÂ’s affirmative response on 10-point demands of Nawaz Sharif he once again put the question about the next deadline of 45 days but Main Nanas Shari said that as the government seemed sincere in implementing the 10-point demands put forth by him for sprucing up the governance so there was no more deadline.
Nawaz Sharif further said that as the government wanted to implement his agenda for putting the house in order so there is no question of showing the door to Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party in Punjab, Prime Minister quoted Nawaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Gilani further informed that on his suggestion Nawaz Sharif had agreed to form a Parliamentary Committee under the head of Senator Ishaq Dar to take up the issues concerning PML-N with government in furthering 10-point agenda given by Mian Nawaz Sharif which he termed ‘national agenda.’
Prime Minister said that PPP would definitely take PML-N on board while appointing new Governor Punjab when asked whether PPP would take into confidence while appointing this important administrative slot in Punjab.
To a question Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raze Gilani said that his government was already working on the same lines to bring improvement in governance and to control leakage of funds from various corporations and state owned enterprises.
He said that the restructuring of Pakistan Railways, PIA, Pepco and Steel Mills was already on the agenda and in next cabinet meeting they would be going to discuss the ways and means to bring improvement in these state entities running into losses.
Prime Minister Gilani said that his government was pursuing the policy of reconciliation and referred to the unanimous passage of 18th Amendment, 19th Amendment, 7th NFC Award, political status granted to Gilgit-Baltistan and reforms package for Balochistan and termed it a result of the policy of reconciliation adopted by Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party and expressed his partyÂ’s resolve to pursue the same in future as well.
To a question Premier Gilani said that in achieving these goals would only be possible through the active support of all the stakeholders in the Parliament and it was singular honour of the incumbent Parliament that it had done most of the legislation with consensus and hoped that they would be able to steer the country out of prevailing economic mess in same spirit of politics of reconciliation.
To another question about the following of Supreme Court verdicts Prime Minister said that PPP was having the singular honour of complete adherence to the each and every verdict of the apex court.
When his attention was drawn toward the governmentÂ’s non-implementation of NRO verdict of SC he replied that it was sheer bias when people talk about only one case out of 8,034 cases withdrawn under NRO and added that still the case on NRO is subjudice in the apex court and let the court take decision on the review petition of the government.
To another question about the fresh spate of target killing in Karachi he said that PPP in support of MQM and ANP would definitely bring normalcy to the port city which is the economic hub of the country and disturbance over their would have negative impact on the whole economy.
To a question about the allegations of corruption coming on his family members including his son in Haj scam Premier Gilani termed them as mere allegations and quickly added that the case of Haj scam was in the court and if someone have substantial proof he could submit the same in the court.
To a question about some of his wrong decisions Prime Minister said that out of over 10,000 decisions he had taken if some four or five decisions were wrong and said that it could be taken as error judgment. As the matter relating to some appointments were in the court of law and whatever would be the decision of the court it would be implemented in totality.
Responding to another question Prime Minister Gilani said that actually the persons who are hurling corruption allegations on him were targeting President Asif Ali Zardari and as he was defending him so they had also turned against him.
He further said that as President was the part of Parliament so it was his duty to defend him and this thing annoyed certain quarters, which had launched dirty campaign against him.
To another question he said that incumbent political dispensation was not going anywhere as for the first time in the history of the country the establishment was supportive of the political set-up and it was also for the first time that PPP and establishment were on one-page.
To another question he once again reiterated his governmentÂ’s stance that they would not bring any change in the blasphemy laws and added that during his chat with him Maulana Fazlur Rehman had also asked him about it and his reply was the same that government would not bring any change in the law.

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Sharif ready to mend fences with Zardari, accepts banquet invite for Chinese premier

December 13th, 2010 | No Comments

nawaz sharifPakistan President Asif Ali Zardari seems to have achieved some success in breaking the ice with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif, with the latter accepting the former’s invitation to attend a banquet to be held in honour of visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Islamabad this week. The meeting is being termed a significant [...]

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Nawaz Sharif “author of Islamic radicalism” in Afghanistan: Spanta

December 4th, 2010 | No Comments

nawaz sharifFormer Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta is reported to have described former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as “the author of Islamic radicalism”. A diplomatic cable released by whistle-blower website WikiLeaks quoted Spanta, as saying: “We know Sharif is bad news. He is the author of Islamic radicalism in our region.” “Boucher agreed that [...]

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Nawaz ‘disappointed’ Saudis by violating promise of abstaining from politics: WikiLeaks

December 3rd, 2010 | No Comments

nawaz sharifDuring his exile, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had promised the Saudis not to engage in any political activity, but he violated his commitment much to their disappointment, a diplomatic cable unveiled by whistle-blower website WikiLeaks has revealed. The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the US, Adel al-Jubeir, asserted that the “Saudi government (SAG) had [...]

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Shabbaz Sharif tipped off JUD prior to asset freeze order by govt: Zardari to Patterson

December 1st, 2010 | No Comments

Asif Ali ZardariPakistan President Asif Ali Zardari discussed with the then US envoy to Pakistan, Anne Patterson, his increasing frustration with former premier Nawaz Sharif”s government in Punjab, whom he believed, had tipped off Jamaat ul-Dawa (JUD) about the assets freeze ordered by the federal government, according to whistle-blower website WikiLeaks. During a meeting on January 2, [...]

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PPP wants Nawaz to apologise for keeping Zardari in jail over ‘fake cases’

November 23rd, 2010 | No Comments

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Punjab has asked Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif to apologise to the nation for keeping President Asif Ali Zardari in jail for eleven and a half years by lodging fake cases against him. Addressing a press conference, PPP Punjab Information Secretary Dr Fakharuddin Chaudhry, Iqbal Sialvi and Athar [...]

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Nawaz defends stance on judicial commission

March 27th, 2010 | No Comments


LAHORE – PML-N Chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has called for making Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the head of the judicial commission for the appointment of judges to the superior judiciary.
Talking to media men on Saturday, Nawaz reiterated his commitment for an independent judiciary and strong democracy in the country and said the head of the judicial commission should be the Chief Justice of Pakistan instead of allowing an individual to appoint the judges.
Showing no regrets for what he said at the news conference on Thursday last in Islamabad, Nawaz said with reference to the reservations expressed about the formation of judicial commission and renaming of the NWFP, he still held on to what he had said in the news conference. “I have no remorse for what I said in Islamabad,” he added.
He opposed the inclusion of Federal Law Minister Babar Awan in the commission and instead, he said, the Attorney General of Pakistan should be a part of it. Referring to the Law Minister, he said Babar was an NRO-affected and had allegations of accepting bribe of Rs30 million.
He said the Chief Justice of Pakistan, as head of the judicial commission, must be authorised to appoint a retired judge as the seventh member of the commission.
He said he had taken the stand in the national interest, least caring that the withdrawal of ban on becoming third-time prime minister was also a part of the package.
He stressed on the working of every state institution within its prescribed limits, saying that no institution was to lose its credibility from what he had stated in Islamabad.
He said there was no harm if the prime minister had discussed the matter relating to the formation of commission with the chief justice.
When asked if the last-minute change of mind was the result of a phone call, he categorically denied such reports and said nobody had phoned him and he was not making the decisions on phone calls.
“Today, Pakistan is changing and with the changing situation we also need to change to our thought,” he added.
Nawaz said he himself wanted an early end to the 17th Amendment and for that purpose the govt was reminded time and again but other issues had been tagged with the constitutional package.
To a question, he said he had learnt about the announcement of the 18th Amendment only a day before. “The PML-N vote is essential for carrying the 18th Amendment,” he stressed. He said credit for ending the 17th Amendment would go both to the PML-N and the PPP.
To a question on renaming NWFP, the PML-N Chief said the PML-N and the ANP people were emotional about the issue but the issue needed a consensus.
Nawaz, to another question, denied taking any U-turn on the constitutional package and said he was a staunch aspirant of true democracy in the country and for that end, he was on the right track and any U-turn on his part was out of question.
He opposed his critics and said he could not understand where and how he took a U-turn? He said criticism on him for what he said in Islamabad was uncalled for and unjustified.

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Nawaz turns his guns on Asif

February 14th, 2010 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Major Opposition party Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has warned the PPP-led Government of grave consequences if it did not resolve the judicial crisis immediately by withdrawing notifications about Lahore High Court’s Chief Justice Khawaja Sharif and Justice Saqib Nisar.
Insiders informed TheNation that partyÂ’s Central Organising Committee (COC), which met in the chair of PML-N Quaid Mian Nazaw Sharif on emergency basis here at the Punjab House on Sunday, discussed at length the judicial crisis that started on Saturday and decided a timeline for the Government to resolve the issue.
“The party has decided a timeline for the Government and will unveil it soon,” a participant of the meeting told TheNation, requesting not to be named, in a reference to the party’s future course of action.
Another participant of the meeting who also requested anonymity said the meeting had decided to take on the ruling PPP, particularly the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani for their illegal and unconstitutional actions which led to the judicial crisis.
According to the informed sources, the meeting had brainstormed the issue with over a dozen legal and constitutional experts and decided to condemn the illegal and unconstitutional steps taken by the Government.
Later, the PML-N Quaid while addressing a crowded press conference declared President Zardari as grave threat to democracy. “Zardari is doing biggest disservice to democracy,” Nawaz said, adding that yesterday’s incident was an action replay of the dictator. “It were people of Pakistan and not the Government who restored the judiciary.”
He also blamed Prime Minister Gilani for deviating from his commitment with him during their recent meeting that Government would implement the recommendation of the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Nawaz Sharif demanded of the Government to withdraw the notifications without further delay and implement SCÂ’s recommendations, apex court verdict on National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and Charter of Democracy (CoD).
He demanded that those government functionaries facing corruption charges in the wake of SC verdict on NRO should resign. He said money stashed in Swiss banks should be recovered as it belonged to the people of Pakistan.
“PML-N has been steadfastly struggling for the rule of law and Constitution, therefore, we cannot compromise over the corrupt practices of the Government,” he said.
Answering a question, Nawaz said that people of Pakistan would not allow Pakistan Army to intervene in the judicial crisis, arguing such interventions can only be prevented through the independent judiciary, which, he regretted, was not being digested by the rulers.
To another question, he said his party would not keep silence and would keep close watch on the rulersÂ’ consequential steps, adding the PML-N will play its effective role in the greater interest of supremacy of rule of law, Constitution as well as democracy.
“If we do not play our role for independence of judiciary, people of Pakistan will be fed up of democracy,” he warned. He added his party would also contact other political forces to evolve a joint course of action.
Agencies add: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) will not allow the government to go scot-free, Mian Nawaz Sharif has warned while terming President Asif Ali Zardari the biggest threat to the democracy in Pakistan.
“Today, if there is really a danger to democracy, it is through these kinds of acts by Zardari,” Nawaz declared. “The Government is attacking the judiciary to protect its corruption.”
The PML-N condemned the SaturdayÂ’s incident, as the event plunged the country into uncertainty as the Presidency crossed its limits, Nawaz observed. He said SaturdayÂ’s incident was an action replay of November 3, 2007, adding the government is targeting the judiciary to protect its corruption. The Army should play the role stipulated in the Constitution, he added.
Nawaz said he forcefully warned the government to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution, adding his party categorically rejects the autocratic method adopted by the government. He told journalists that he had asked Prime Minister Gilani a day before not to delay the implementation on the recommendations regarding judgesÂ’ appointment.
However, the following day, something else surfaced, he added, demanding that the recommendations of Chief Justice Chaudhry should be immediately put into action.
Nawaz said the PML-N wants to make it abundantly clear to the Government in unequivocal terms that it would not be allowed to go its way on judgesÂ’ appointments nor would it be spared the chance for corruption.
“We can make harsh decisions in the coming days and will protest in and outside the Parliament and mobilise the masses. We will not allow anyone to spoil the institutions for personal motives,” he said.
Had the Charter of Democracy been implemented, there would not have been these problems, he asserted, demanding President Zardari to bring back to Pakistan his wealth siphoned off into Swiss accounts; this is the hard-earned money of the people of Pakistan. The country has been turned into a circus, he added.
The people of Pakistan will take care of all affairs, the Army should not be dragged in; nor should the Army get itself involved in such affairs, he said.

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Sharif asks government to investigate French submarine deal kickback reports

November 14th, 2009 | No Comments

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has asked the government to investigate reports about the alleged kickbacks received during the purchase of the three French submarines in 1994.
Talking to PML-N leaders from Faisalabad here, Sharif said the names of all those who had received commissions in the submarine deal should be made public.
“Receiving of [...]

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“Day not far when Kashmir will be free”: Sharif

November 6th, 2009 | No Comments

In an apparent bid to ensure his party’s victory in the forthcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif has deviously played the ‘Kashmir’ card.
Addressing an election rally in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghanchay region, Sharif said he does not mince words to deceive people and stressed that ‘the day is not far when Kashmir will [...]

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Zardari thanks US, Nawaz shows concerns

October 19th, 2009 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – In an attempt to allay apprehensions of Pakistanis over the Kerry-Lugar Burner (KLB) Act, US Senator John Kerry while meeting with Pakistani leadership has said that the legislation intended to cement long-term partnership with Pakistan.
Talking to dignitaries in Islamabad, one of the architects of the Act, Kerry observed that the core intent of the enhanced partnership through the Act was to demonstrate the American peopleÂ’s long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan.
During his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, the visiting US delegation headed by Senator John Kerry termed the controversy on KLB as unfortunate. The delegation stressed that it was a genuine effort on the part of the US to build a long-term partnership between the two countries by investing $7.5 billion in the next five years for the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan.
He hoped that the joint explanatory statement had successfully allayed the misgivings of the concerned circles in Pakistan and added that he would be meeting PakistanÂ’s military as well to further clarify and reassure them about the real intent of US Congress and administration to help Pakistan through KLB legislation.
Talking to Senator Kerry, President Zardari thanked the US leadership for supporting democracy in Pakistan and said that he looked forward to Secretary of State Hillary ClintonÂ’s visit to Islamabad and holding of US-Pak strategic dialogue.
Presidential spokesman said that President Zardari expressed the hope that ROZs (Reconstruction Opportunity Zones) legislation would soon be approved and counterproductive labour provision would be softened. He said that Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but as an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism.
Prime Minister Gilani proposed US administration to route the assistance under KLB through the trust funds for the uplift and reconstruction of the districts of Malakand division. He added that through Benazir Income Support Programme, the government was reaching out the poor segments of society in the country.
He also underlined the need for the provision of market access for Pakistani products and for expeditious passage of ROZ Bill in this regard. He informed Kerry that there was national consensus in the country to eliminate the evil forces of terrorism and extremism on the basis of which military action was under way in South Waziristan Agency.
While underlining the importance of support of the masses for decisive victory, he highlighted the imperative of development aspect in his governmentÂ’s strategy to gain the sustained support of the nation on this issue.
The Prime Minister apprised Senator Kerry that in the first few days of Army action, the dislocation of people had already started and an influx of them was expected in the coming weeks. He urged the US and friends of Pakistan to come forward wholeheartedly to provide adequate financial assistance to cater for the dislocated persons and later on for the development of the affected areas.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would remain constructively engaged with the international partners including USA to promote the shared objectives of peace, security and development in Afghanistan. “Pakistan looks forward to continued cooperation with the new elected government of Afghanistan in the best interest of peace and security of the region,” he added.
He fully agreed with the Prime Minister on the urgent need to focus on social sector development in the affected areas and identified reconstruction of schools, hospitals, shelters and provision of seeds and livestock as priority areas for the people.
He also assured the Prime Minister that the US would use its good offices with the European Union for provision of market access for Pakistani goods under GSP Plus Facilities and that the passage of ROZ Bill from Congress would be fast tracked.
Senator John Kerry met Quaid Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz Sharif here and discussed Pak-US relations, security situation and KLB Act.
Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) Quaid during his meeting with US Senator John Kerry at Punjab House said that his party was reviewing the explanatory statements attached with the KLB Act and they would be able to give its reaction on the act after having thorough debate on it.
PML(N) Quaid, however, conveyed reservations of his party and people of Pakistan over the bill, saying the PPP led coalition government did not take into confidence the opposition parties on it. Senator John Kerry during the meeting said that the main objective of the bill was to help Pakistan and reservations of Pakistani people would be removed.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Ishaq Dar were also present on the occasion.
Nawaz urged Senator John Kerry to consider suitable measures to allay the doubts and misgivings that had arisen in Pakistan about the KLB Act. He appraised the Senator of the feelings and concerns of the people of Pakistan regarding the KLB Act.
PML-N Chief reaffirmed that the said bill, with its conditionalities continues to cause concerns, which he emphasised needed to be addressed to establish a relationship of trust and confidence between the two countries.
The former prime minister assured Senator Kerry that Pakistan valued its friendship with the United States. He therefore, urged upon Obama administration and the US Congress to establish a genuine partnership with the people of Pakistan based on mutual respect and mutual trust.
Online adds: Senator John Kerry, who is one of the founders of Kerry-Lugar Bill, has made it clear that presently no change is possible in the Kerry-Lugar Bill.
Talking to senior journalists here on Monday, he said the military and political leadership has adopted uniform stance on the US aid bill, adding, US respects PakistanÂ’s sovereignty and neither it had compromised on it nor it is possible in future.
‘Pakistan is an independent country and it will spend 7.5 billion dollars aid on its own but though it is the amount of US taxpayers amount and, therefore, they and some US congressmen ask where the amount would be spent and Hillary Clinton would present report in this regard’, he added.
According to him, we are giving to Pakistan about 7.5 billion dollars aid and are also listening to its complaints.
Terrorism is an international problem as terror events had taken place in US, Germany and other countries, he said.
In reply to a question regarding abolishment of check posts on Afghan border, Kerry said he has no information about it and the issue was not raised during his meetings with COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and DG ISI Shuja Pasha.

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Zardari thanks US, Nawaz shows concerns

October 19th, 2009 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – In an attempt to allay apprehensions of Pakistanis over the Kerry-Lugar Burner (KLB) Act, US Senator John Kerry while meeting with Pakistani leadership has said that the legislation intended to cement long-term partnership with Pakistan.
Talking to dignitaries in Islamabad, one of the architects of the Act, Kerry observed that the core intent of the enhanced partnership through the Act was to demonstrate the American peopleÂ’s long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan.
During his meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif, the visiting US delegation headed by Senator John Kerry termed the controversy on KLB as unfortunate. The delegation stressed that it was a genuine effort on the part of the US to build a long-term partnership between the two countries by investing $7.5 billion in the next five years for the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan.
He hoped that the joint explanatory statement had successfully allayed the misgivings of the concerned circles in Pakistan and added that he would be meeting PakistanÂ’s military as well to further clarify and reassure them about the real intent of US Congress and administration to help Pakistan through KLB legislation.
Talking to Senator Kerry, President Zardari thanked the US leadership for supporting democracy in Pakistan and said that he looked forward to Secretary of State Hillary ClintonÂ’s visit to Islamabad and holding of US-Pak strategic dialogue.
Presidential spokesman said that President Zardari expressed the hope that ROZs (Reconstruction Opportunity Zones) legislation would soon be approved and counterproductive labour provision would be softened. He said that Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but as an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism.
Prime Minister Gilani proposed US administration to route the assistance under KLB through the trust funds for the uplift and reconstruction of the districts of Malakand division. He added that through Benazir Income Support Programme, the government was reaching out the poor segments of society in the country.
He also underlined the need for the provision of market access for Pakistani products and for expeditious passage of ROZ Bill in this regard. He informed Kerry that there was national consensus in the country to eliminate the evil forces of terrorism and extremism on the basis of which military action was under way in South Waziristan Agency.
While underlining the importance of support of the masses for decisive victory, he highlighted the imperative of development aspect in his governmentÂ’s strategy to gain the sustained support of the nation on this issue.
The Prime Minister apprised Senator Kerry that in the first few days of Army action, the dislocation of people had already started and an influx of them was expected in the coming weeks. He urged the US and friends of Pakistan to come forward wholeheartedly to provide adequate financial assistance to cater for the dislocated persons and later on for the development of the affected areas.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would remain constructively engaged with the international partners including USA to promote the shared objectives of peace, security and development in Afghanistan. “Pakistan looks forward to continued cooperation with the new elected government of Afghanistan in the best interest of peace and security of the region,” he added.
He fully agreed with the Prime Minister on the urgent need to focus on social sector development in the affected areas and identified reconstruction of schools, hospitals, shelters and provision of seeds and livestock as priority areas for the people.
He also assured the Prime Minister that the US would use its good offices with the European Union for provision of market access for Pakistani goods under GSP Plus Facilities and that the passage of ROZ Bill from Congress would be fast tracked.
Senator John Kerry met Quaid Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz Sharif here and discussed Pak-US relations, security situation and KLB Act.
Pakistan Muslim League(Nawaz) Quaid during his meeting with US Senator John Kerry at Punjab House said that his party was reviewing the explanatory statements attached with the KLB Act and they would be able to give its reaction on the act after having thorough debate on it.
PML(N) Quaid, however, conveyed reservations of his party and people of Pakistan over the bill, saying the PPP led coalition government did not take into confidence the opposition parties on it. Senator John Kerry during the meeting said that the main objective of the bill was to help Pakistan and reservations of Pakistani people would be removed.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Senator Ishaq Dar were also present on the occasion.
Nawaz urged Senator John Kerry to consider suitable measures to allay the doubts and misgivings that had arisen in Pakistan about the KLB Act. He appraised the Senator of the feelings and concerns of the people of Pakistan regarding the KLB Act.
PML-N Chief reaffirmed that the said bill, with its conditionalities continues to cause concerns, which he emphasised needed to be addressed to establish a relationship of trust and confidence between the two countries.
The former prime minister assured Senator Kerry that Pakistan valued its friendship with the United States. He therefore, urged upon Obama administration and the US Congress to establish a genuine partnership with the people of Pakistan based on mutual respect and mutual trust.
Online adds: Senator John Kerry, who is one of the founders of Kerry-Lugar Bill, has made it clear that presently no change is possible in the Kerry-Lugar Bill.
Talking to senior journalists here on Monday, he said the military and political leadership has adopted uniform stance on the US aid bill, adding, US respects PakistanÂ’s sovereignty and neither it had compromised on it nor it is possible in future.
‘Pakistan is an independent country and it will spend 7.5 billion dollars aid on its own but though it is the amount of US taxpayers amount and, therefore, they and some US congressmen ask where the amount would be spent and Hillary Clinton would present report in this regard’, he added.
According to him, we are giving to Pakistan about 7.5 billion dollars aid and are also listening to its complaints.
Terrorism is an international problem as terror events had taken place in US, Germany and other countries, he said.
In reply to a question regarding abolishment of check posts on Afghan border, Kerry said he has no information about it and the issue was not raised during his meetings with COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and DG ISI Shuja Pasha.

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Can he or can’t he contest?

October 4th, 2009 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Saudi Authorities have advised the PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to refrain from any parliamentary elections till 2010 as part of a deal, which the PML(N) has denounced, terming it a continuation of disinformation campaign against their leaders.
According to well-placed sources, the Authorities had also reminded Nawaz Sharif during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, that neither he nor his party should press for former President General MusharrafÂ’s trial as a covenant to the deal struck back in 2000.
“Has any spokesman of Saudi government, Pakistan government or PML-N stated this?” Party’s Central Information Secretary and MNA, Ahsen Iqbal asked while reacting to these reports about the deal, which claimed that the Saudi government had advised Nawaz Sharif to honour the 10-year deal struck in 2000 and guaranteed by Saudi Arabia.
He also rejected that Musharraf was ever discussed in Nawaz SharifÂ’s meeting with Saudi King Shah Abdullah held in Makkah last month.
He was of the view that certain quarters both in and outside Pakistan, were in fact fearful of the PML-N popularity that might go against their interests.
PML-N does not need permission from any one to contest or not to, any election”, he said, adding that PML-N was not struggling for power but to change the plight of the masses.
Earlier the official sources quoted their Saudi counterparts as saying, “King Abdullah during his last meeting with Nawaz Sharif last month had made it clear that deviation from the deal could cost the Sharifs loss of the royal friendship.”
About the documentary evidence, the sources said, the highest officials from Saudi Arabia namely Intelligence Chief Prince Muqrin himself had visited Pakistan and had shown the deal document to the media here.
Earlier the sources said, the Saudi Authorities had given special permission to Shahbaz Sharif to contest the elections. However, the sources added, if Nawaz Sharif is also allowed to take part in elections before the stipulated timeframe it would leave the deal as redundant.
Nawaz Sharif and his family had signed the agreement on December 2, 2002 and after that they had gone to Saudi Arabia on December 10, 2000.
Sources further said that the government would not take any action against the former president Pervez Musharraf and a clear message in this regard has also been conveyed to incumbent authorities including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

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Distancing from Nawaz to hamper US interests

August 16th, 2009 | No Comments



ISLAMABAD – PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif has urged the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke to support PakistanÂ’s efforts to finalize a Free Trade Agreement with the US and to encourage greater American investment especially in PakistanÂ’s energy and power sectors.
He made these remarks while talking to the US special envoy who called on PML-N leader Sunday here at the Punjab House.
Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Senator Ishaq Dar and former ambassador Tariq Fatmi were also present on the occasion.
PML-N leader said that the US investment in both these sectors (power and energy) would have a direct bearing on countryÂ’s economy, as well as the peopleÂ’s well being.
PML-N Quaid also called upon the US Administration to play an effective role in resumption of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India and resolution of Kashmir dispute for lasting peace in the region.
PML-N Quaid said that the aid packages were only stopgap arrangements that had no lasting impact on recipient countryÂ’s economy whereas greater trade and foreign investment help in strengthening its economy and generating in it employment opportunities and reducing the likelihood of youth turning towards militancy and extremism.
He referred especially to the need for the Obama administration to finalize the understandings envisaged in the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, as well as for early approval by the US Congress of the legislation relating to the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs). PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif said his party wanted annulment of 17th Amendment from the Constitution adding his party had handed over the drafts to the government for undoing the said amendment and introducing 18th Amendment.
“We are also eager for implementation of Charter of Democracy”, he remarked. The way Pakistan army had conducted successful operation against the extremists in Swat was appreciable, he maintained.
The US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke assured the former prime minister that the US viewed Pakistan as an extremely important country that deserved the help and assistance of the entire international community in its efforts to confront militancy and to strengthen the economy.
He reiterated that the Obama administration and the US Congress were also committed to supporting Pakistan and developing its institutions on long-term basis. He also pointed out that PakistanÂ’s government was sovereign and free in taking decisions with respect to national security and emphasised that the US had no intention to dictate its terms to Pakistan.
Richard Holbrooke maintained that his country wanted supremacy of democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. Fortification of democracy was symbol of a strong Pakistan, he added.
Holbrooke also said that Pakistan Army had completed operation against the extremists in Swat successfully, which was laudable. The US, he said, would continue to play its role for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and reconstruction of the areas affected in operation against the militants.
Online/APP/Reuters/APP add: In the meeting, Holbrooke said that former President Pervez Musharraf is history now and his country will not create any hurdle in Musharraf’s trial by the Pakistani Parliament.
“Pervez Musharraf has become part of history. US will never support him. Parliament has every right to put him to trial on his actions. US will never create any hurdle in this respect”, Holbrooke said.
Well-placed sources told Online that Holbrooke told Nawaz Sharif that his country wanted supremacy of democracy in Pakistan. Fortification of democracy was symbol of a strong Pakistan, he added.
Earlier, Holbrooke said that widening distance from Nawaz Sharif would hamper the interests of US, as he is a popular leader in Pakistan.
He said it is not the job of US to tell Pakistan to launch operation in Waziristan and added that it is up to the Pakistani leadership to decide when and what it wants to do about it.
Talking to reporters on board the plane, before landing at Islamabad Airport, Holbrooke said his meetings with Pakistani leadership would be focused on how to overcome the power shortage in the country.
Holbrooke said a task force led by Marry Bethman had been set up to find ways to help resolve the issue of electricity shortage in Pakistan…”People of Pakistan are suffering because of power loadshedding and we got to help them,” he added.
He said Pakistan was neglected as compared to Afghanistan after 9/11 incident by the international community and whatever needed was not done in the power sector in Pakistan.
“And now, since we have a little breathing space as far as security situation is concerned, it is time for us to focus on other important issues like power crisis,” he added.
“I cannot tell whether the Taliban were destroyed or dispersed as a result of this operation until I go myself over there and talk to the people on ground but one thing was quite obvious that security forces regained Swat and Buner from Taliban which itself was very significant,” he added.
He said the political situation here had been improved significantly, as on March 15 the PML-N was at odds with the government when it held long march.
He said Nawaz Sharif had come out with strong statements against Taliban. “Nawaz is a popular leader and his party is ruling the largest province of Punjab that’s why I believe that distancing from Nawaz will not be in the interest of the US”.
Heavy rain forced Holbrooke to postpone a trip to the Swat Valley, where hundreds of thousands of refugees have begun to return after the military declared in July that it had ended Taliban control of the area, a US Embassy official said on condition of anonymity, citing policy.

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‘Edgy’ Sharif ‘pre-planned’ diverting Musharraf’s aircraft : Pak Editor

July 18th, 2009 | No Comments

With the Supreme Court acquitting former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the plane hijacking case, a well-known editor of a Pakistani English daily has claimed that the plan to divert the aircraft carrying the then Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf was a pre-planned move on Sharif’s part.
During a special programme on a [...]

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Zardari, Nawaz agree to democratise Constitution

July 17th, 2009 | No Comments


LAHORE – President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met at latterÂ’s Raiwind residence here on Friday, and reiterated their resolve to purge the Constitution of all undemocratic clauses, including the most controversial 17th Amendment, but fell short of giving a time frame to undo the unconstitutional changes done by the former govt.
In their four-hour long meeting, which took place after a gap of eight months, the two leaders agreed to work together to steer the country out of the current crisis.
The meeting was in pursuance of the telephonic talk between the two leaders on Monday.
In his meeting with PML-N chief, President Asif Ali Zardari was assisted by Raja Pervez Ashraf, Mian Raza Rabbani, Jehangir Badar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Babar Awan, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Syed Khurshid Shah and Farhatullah Babar.
The other side comprised of PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Raja Zafarul Haq, Syed Ghous Ali Shah, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Senator Pervez Rasheed, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Sardar Mehtab Abbasi and Sardar Yaqoob Nasir.
In the 11-point joint declaration issued at the end of meeting, the two parties reiterated that dialogue and discussions was the essence of the democratic process and that the doors to meaningful and result-oriented talks should always remain open.
They reiterated that after the February 2008 elections, installation of democratic govt and getting hold of Presidency by democratic forces, it was necessary to remove the controversial clauses from the Constitution that had been inserted into it by successive dictatorships without the consent of the masses.
The two parties reiterated commitment to the principles laid down in the Charter of Democracy (CoD) to democratise the Constitution and rid it of all undemocratic clauses including 17th Amendment.
They expressed the hope that the Parliamentary Committee set up to review the Constitution would complete its task in the shortest possible time and propose suitable amendments in it.
The two parties expressed the view that the situation in Balochistan needed to be addressed urgently and seriously.
Political dialogue and development of the province should be pressed into service to remove the sense of alienation of the people of the province.
They expressed the view that the Parliament should play a more pro-active role in meeting the aspirations of the people of Balochistan.
Both sides agreed that the problems faced by the country were too stupendous to be resolved by any one political party or State institution and required the collective efforts of all political forces and parties.
The two parties also agreed that militancy posed the most serious threat to national security and that holistic approach was needed to address the issue. They agreed that the terrorists should not be allowed to impose their agenda on the people through guns and bullets.
They agreed that more of such contacts and meetings would help push forward the process of democratisation of the Constitution in the light of CoD and to find solutions to the problems faced by the country particularly national security, economic and energy crisis, price-hike and unemployment compounded by the military dictatorship.
According to insiders, the two leaders discussed several issues in frank and candid manner as overall mood of the meeting was cordial from very start to culmination, though they did express reservations they had about each other on various issues.
Nawaz reportedly told Zardari that his party wanted to go alongwith PPP, but they were prevented from doing so, first by getting them ineligible from contesting elections and then by imposition of GovernorÂ’s Rule.
President Zardari, in turn, assured Nawaz that his party would not create any problem for PML-N in future.
Nawaz assured Zardari that his party would not destabilise PPP govt and allow it to complete its full term.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a warm welcome at Lahore Airport and was received by Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Senior minister Raja Riaz and other big wigs of the govt.
Accompanied by CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Ministers Khurshid Shah, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, PPP Secretary General Jahangir Badr, President Zardari set off for Raiwind in a helicopter.
Nawaz Sharif alongwith central party leaders, Khawaja Asif, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Chief Secretary Javed Mehmood and others welcomed him at Jatti Umra helipad.
President Asif Ali Zardari greeted Nawaz Sharif on his acquittal from plane hijacking case. He termed the Supreme Court decision to acquit Nawaz from plane hijacking case as a welcome development, saying it would help strengthening democracy in the country.
From the helipad, President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif used one car to reach SharifsÂ’ residence in Raiwind, as President Zardari invited Sharif brothers to accompany him in his own car.
Meanwhile, before his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari,Nawaz Sharif held an important meeting with party senior leaders and took them into confidence on different issues. He also sought suggestions from them to be discussed with President Zardari.
During the meeting, all the party stalwarts endorsed his decisions and announced to extend all out support to him.
Raja Zafarul Haq, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Javed Hashmi, Khawaja Asif, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Pervaiz Rashid, Sardar Yaqoob and other senior leaders attended the meeting. Opposition leader in National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra joined the meeting through telephone.
Nawaz Sharif also hosted a luncheon reception in the honour of President Asif Ali Zardari and his delegation. Both wearing shalwar kameez and waistcoat talked in a friendly manner and avoided peeping into bitter past. After the lunch they held 4-hour meeting in a happy mood.
The organiser of the meeting announced to make Press briefing to inform the media about the upshot of the meeting but later Press briefing was cancelled without mentioning any reason.

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Pakistan court acquits former PM Sharif of hijacking

July 17th, 2009 | No Comments

Pakistan’s supreme court Friday overturned convictions against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for plane hijacking and terrorism, two months after reversing a ban on the opposition leader’s holding office. Sharif was convicted of “hijacking” a commercial jet carrying Pervez Musharraf

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PML-N rules out any Sharif, Zardari meeting in near future

July 15th, 2009 | No Comments

The Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) is not optimistic about any talks between party president Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari in the near future.
Speculations about a thaw in the relationship between both leaders gained momentum when Zardari called Sharif recently.
In his telephonic conversation, Zardari reportedly thanked Sharif for his party’s unconditional support to the [...]

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