Former president Asif Ali Zardari has rebuffed the government's claims he had sought a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). Talking to journalists Saturday after attending the NA session, Zardari asked why he would seek NRO now when he did not ask for it eight years ago.
"Let the Prime Minister explain his stance on the charter of economy. Then, we will discuss that with the party. We will also consult other opposition parties before giving a response," he said, answering a question.
Sources said that a meeting between PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq was also held in the Parliament where Zardari was brought under production order of the speaker. Both the leaders discussed the issues relating to politics and budget 2019-20.
Former speaker Ayaz Sadiq of the PML-N also met Zardari and PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif. "Zardari and I agreed that we have to work towards the betterment of the country," he told the media outside the National Assembly.
Both Zardari and Sharif had suggested that a charter of economy should arrive. However, he said it is also the opposition's job to suggest amendments in the budget. He vowed: "We will go to any length for the benefit of Pakistan."
He questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision to deploy security forces inside polling stations in the upcoming elections in the tribal regions. He said that polling stations are threatened from the outside.
Meanwhile, a group of women MNAs of PTI led by Aliya Hamza Malik also talked to reporters. They accused Zardari of seeking NRO privately while denying it in public which shows the double standard of the party.
They expressed hope that Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose motto has always been to tighten noose around corrupt especially Sharifs and Zardari families for their alleged corruption, would not let them go scot-free.