Zardari, Dar and Naqvi meet to put out political fire between PML-N and PPP

President Asif Ali Zardari met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the political situation, as tensions continue between the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

PPP and PML-N leaders in Punjab have been embroiled in a war of words in recent days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights linked to the Cholistan canal project.

The PPP, which rules Sindh, has expressed strong displeasure over the statements of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whose party leads the coalition at the federal level.

Amid the growing friction, both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari have initiated efforts to calm tempers and restore political harmony. The president, sources said, also urged Naqvi to help facilitate dialogue between the two sides for a possible rapprochement.

A statement issued by the President’s Secretariat on Wednesday evening confirmed that President Zardari had held a meeting in Nawabshah with Dar, Naqvi and Sadiq.

“The leaders discussed issues related to the general security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments,” the statement said.

He added that Dar, who recently represented Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly and met several foreign dignitaries, briefed the president on his commitments and shared insights on “pressing global and regional issues.”

Meanwhile, separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee. “Important decisions on national policy will be made at the PPP central executive committee meeting,” a post on X said.