Senator Ishaq Dar, a senior leader of the PML-N, expressed his hope for a meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. Despite enduring criticism from the PPP, Dar stated that there are no restrictions on a meeting and it should happen in the near future. He acknowledged that Nawaz is currently occupied with his legal issues. Dar also emphasized the good working relationship that the PML-N has had with the PPP and stated that he finds it inappropriate to respond to critical statements from PPP leaders. He highlighted the importance of all major political parties being involved in the country’s progress.
These comments from Dar follow the PPP’s disapproval of the Punjab caretaker government’s decision to suspend Nawaz’s sentence in the Al-Azizia reference. The PPP criticized this move as a transgression on the part of the provincial administration and questioned the manner in which the decision was made. They referred to Nawaz as a ‘ladla-plus’ and accused the caretakers of neglecting their duty to hold general elections. The PPP urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of this act, as they believed it favored the PML-N leader in the upcoming polls.
In order to focus on securing relief for Nawaz in corruption cases and reduce political tension, the PML-N has decided to re-establish close coordination with its former coalition government allies. They plan to reach out to figures such as Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Akhtar Mengal to thank them for their support during these challenging times. The PML-N intends to avoid confrontation with the PPP and will not respond to their criticisms of the relief given to Nawaz by the judiciary. The PPP has been voicing concerns about a lack of a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections, likely to be held in January next year.