President Zardari arrives in Lahore on three-day long visit

Lahore: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Lahore on Monday for a three-day visit, marking his first visit to the city since assuming office for the second time.

Upon arrival at the Old Airport of the provincial capital, President Zardari was warmly welcomed by Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Hyder Khan, Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, PPP Punjab President Raja Pervez Ashraf, and Syed Hassan Murtaza Shahzad Saeed Cheema. PML-N leader and Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman was also present to greet him.

President Zardari proceeded to the Punjab Governor House after landing, where he engaged in discussions with various leaders. Among those present were Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Hassan Murtaza, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Shahzad Saeed Cheema.

The sources indicated that the interactions were brief, and afterward, the President departed for Bilawal House. Attempts by Raja Pervez Ashraf to arrange a lunch or dinner in President Zardari's honor were hindered by the tight schedule of the President's personal staff.

While there were speculations about President Zardari evaluating the reorganization of PPP in Punjab, party officials refrained from confirming such reports, emphasizing that his visit transcended party matters.

The sources also suggested that the President is scheduled to meet provincial ministers and leaders from PML-N during his stay.

The strict security measures were put in place along the Mall road and routes leading to Bahria Town, where Bilawal House is situated.