Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was held out assurance that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would not let democracy be derailed in the country, as it was achieved after a long struggle against a dictatorial regime.
During the meeting, held at the Defence residence of Prime Minister Gilani here on Monday, both the leaders agreed to continue consultation to strengthen democracy in the country. The meeting lasted about two hours in which the two leaders exchanged views on various matters with special focus on the prevailing political situation in the country emerging after decision of the MQM to sit on opposition benches in the National Assembly and Senate as well.
Sources in the PML-N told Business Recorder that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also drew attention of the premier towards the plight of people of Punjab due to excessive gas loadshedding and requested him to intervene for ensuring smooth gas supply so that industry should not suffer. Shahbaz Sharif told the premier that the PML-N wanted democracy to flourish in the country and any decision on the current political situation would be taken at a party meeting. Shahbaz Sharif also apprised the premier Gilani of his recent visit to Turkey and conveyed greetings of Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to him.
Talking to Punjab Chief Minister, the prime minister said difference of opinion was the beauty of democracy, which had to be strengthened at all costs in the country's interest. "If any party decides to sit on opposition benches in parliament, it is part of democracy," he said, adding: "The party can be persuaded through dialogue to come back." Before meeting with the premier, Shahbaz Sharif also met PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and discussed with him the prevailing political situation, the sources claimed.
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