President Zardari criticizes PML-N govt’s performance

Lahore: President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of the federal government led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), according to sources within the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP).

“We know how to form and dissolve governments,” Zardari reportedly stated during a PPP meeting at Bilawal House in Lahore, which he presided over. He emphasized the need for collective effort for the country’s sake, rejecting "drawing room politics" and urging party members to be active and visible.

Zardari pointed out the tough times Pakistan is currently facing, stressing the necessity for unity to save the nation. He criticized the demands and conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), questioning why the public should suffer due to loans from the IMF. He suggested that the government should negotiate with the IMF rather than comply passively with its terms.

“I am actively engaged in Lahore and Islamabad, and I expect everyone to contribute,” Zardari added, asserting that no party can currently rival the PPP. He also took a dig at former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), noting that a leader who once proclaimed “me, me” is now in jail.

The meeting, attended by former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Governor of Punjab Sardar Salim Haider, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Hassan Murtaza, and other party leaders, also discussed the current political landscape and the PPP’s relationship with the Punjab government. Deliberations included whether the PPP should join the Punjab cabinet.

PPP leader Shahzad Saeed Cheema, speaking to reporters outside Bilawal House, confirmed that President Zardari chaired the meeting. He noted Zardari’s assurance that the tough times would pass and emphasized that the PPP's economic policy should focus on agriculture.

A discussion during the meeting touched on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's absence at Lahore airport to welcome Zardari. However, party leaders downplayed the significance of this, with Cheema stating that the PPP does not concern itself with such minor issues.

Cheema also criticized the legality of call recording, stating that while it is now permitted, the PPP has always been and remains opposed to it.