KARACHI, Aug 23: Senior PML-N leaders from Sindh on Monday called on Mr Asif Ali Zardari and discussed with him matters relating to the differences between two major components of the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) over a joint candidate against Mr Shaukat Aziz for the slot of prime minister.

Mian Ejaz Shafi, Salim Zia and Tariq Khan met Mr Zardari at the special court in the central jail where the latter was brought in connection with the hearing of a case against him.

Apparently, Mr Zardari gave no sort of assurances, except expressing hope. Asked whether they had come with a mandate from Mian Nawaz Sharif, the PML leaders said they had come on a probe mission and had put across their point of view.

It may be pointed out that differences between the PPP-Parliamentarians and the PML-N were growing in recent months which had been making the ARD's stand ineffective at crucial moments.