As the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) dominated Senate was all set to oppose the passage of the controversial bill to give increased powers to curb terrorism, its leader and former president
Asif Ali Zardari met Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday. Mr. Sharif assured the PPP leaders that all parties would be consulted on the Protection of Pakistan (amendment ) bill which has already been passed amid protests in the National Assembly.
An official statement said both the leaders reviewed the political situation in the country and issues regarding various legislations, including the Protection of Pakistan (amendment) bill , amendments in
Anti-Terrorism Act and future legislative agenda, were also discussed.
It was agreed that all political forces should develop a consensus on the legislation for effective implementation and Mr. Sharif asked federal law minister Mr. Zahid Hamid to carry out another consultative process with all political parties to address their reservations, if any.
The present law and order situation in the country with particular reference to the ongoing Karachi operation was discussed. The PPP and other parties have been taking an aggressive stand on various issues against the government. The Senate on Monday amended the rules of business to make it compulsory for the Prime Minister to attend the session once a week. Mr. Sharif has not attended a single session of the Senate since he took over last year. The meeting with Mr. Zardari comes after a recent interaction with Imran Khan when Mr. Sharif called on the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf leader at his house in Bani Gala.
Senator Raza Rabbani, and leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah accompanied Mr. Zardari to the Prime Minister’s house.