ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Thursday the arrival of Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto would strengthen the efforts for national political reconciliation.

Talking to newsmen after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Aiwan-i-Quaid here at the Prime Minister’s House, he said the PPP leader’s return was a welcome sign and would definitely help promote democracy in the country.

Answering a question, the prime minister said every political party had the right to express its views and promote political activities by establishing contacts with the people.

When asked whether another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, would be welcomed like Ms Bhutto, he said it was a different matter, but the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) was playing its role in and outside the parliament.

Mr Aziz said the case of Mr Nawaz Sharif was pending before the Supreme Court and added the former prime minister had gone abroad under an understanding.

About the caretaker set-up in the country, the prime minister said one had been established in the NWFP. However, the important thing was to bring an independent and credible personality so that he could play an effective role in conducting free, fair and transparent elections, he added.—APP