ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali has decided to meet politicians belonging to various political parties in order to take them into confidence on foreign policy issues, especially the Iraqi crisis, sources told Dawn.
They said the prime minister has already launched the process of political consultations when he met PML-Z president Ejazul Haq at the latter’s residence on Saturday and discussed with him various issues, including standoff on Iraq.
Mr Jamali is scheduled to leave for Karachi today (Monday) on a two-day visit of Sindh, the sources said.
After reaching Karachi, the prime minister would call upon the president of PML (Functional), Pir Pagaro, and other prominent political figures. He is likely to exchange views with the members of national and provincial assemblies next day.
On Wednesday, the prime minister is expected to inaugurate Chotiari Dam project near Hyderabad, which has been completed at a cost of Rs2.75 billion.
The prime minister is also expected to visit Talhar, Tandobago, Badin, Sujawal, Nawabshah and Dadu before returning to Karachi. He will be the chief guest at the All Pakistan Newspapers Society awards ceremony at Makli.
The prime minister is expected to preside over high-level meetings in Karachi, besides meeting Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar, Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and high-ranking officials of civil administration.
Mr Jamali is expected to reach Lahore on Friday where he would meet members of the provincial cabinet. He is likely to fly to Sargodha on Saturday where he would address a public gathering at Mela Mandi. He would also discuss matters of national importance with members of national and provincial assemblies belonging to the area.
The prime minister is expected to reach Quetta from Lahore on Sunday where he would hold consultations with members of the provincial cabinet and other political leaders.
Meanwhile, the prime minister could not leave for Peshawar on Sunday for his scheduled visit to the NWFP due to inclement weather. This would have been his second visit to the Frontier province. He last visited Peshawar to attend the oath-taking of Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani.
Mr Durrani had extended an invitation to the prime minister when he called on Mr Jamali for Eid greetings.
The prime minister would now visit the NWFP in the last week of the current month.
The sources said that Mr Jamali would use the opportunity to assess the situation in each province regarding the Feb 24 Senate elections. During meetings with members of provincial assemblies he would try to secure their support for the ruling party candidates.
