Zardari rejects possibility of contesting polls in alliance with PDM

Vehari:  Pakistan Peoples’ Party Co-chairman and former President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that they turned down the possibility of contesting next general elections as an ally with the coalition partners.

“We’re not the part of PDM but we are their ally in the government,” said Asif Ai Zardari while addressing a press conference in Vehari on Monday.

Zardari’s words intensified differences between PPP and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) ahead of the next general elections due on April 30.

The development has taken place at the moment when the PDM is in the power in the centre and the country is undergoing economic crisis and political instability.

Zardari also categorically said that they would not hold talks with PTI Chairman Imran Khan, saying that he was not a politician.

Responding to a question regarding Islamabad police’ attempt to arrest the PTI chief and whether he was consulted, the former president was of the view that it was the matter related to the interior minister and there was no need of consultation.

Earlier, PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also hinted at leaving the alliance with the coalition partner if their demands were not met. He said they would quit if the promises made to flood affectees in Sindh were not met.

Addressing an event in Karachi, the PPP Chairman said, “The promises made with the flood victims in Sindh should be fulfilled. Otherwise, it will not be difficult for us to hold our ministries,”.

He also regretted that the promises made to the flood affectees by the federal government were not fulfilled so far, pointing out that the flood affectees were still suffering.

“The centre should give preference to the flood affectees,” said Bilawal, adding that if the federal government or Prime Minister [Shehbaz] made promises, then they need to be fulfilled.

He went on to say that they would raise the issue in the National Assembly as well as before the prime minister. He also expressed hope that their concerns would be redressed by the federal government.