Nawaz, Zardari discuss political situation, security

E-Paper | June 08, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari held a one-on-one meeting in Islamabad Wednesday and discussed a host of issues, including the country’s political situation, national security issues and legislation to cope with terrorism.

Their meeting comes against the backdrop of the tensions between the country's civilian and military leaderships.

Both leaders also discussed the ongoing operation in Karachi and other matters of mutual interest besides reviewing dialogue process with Taliban.

Earlier, both leaders held delegation-level talks and discussed the country’s political situation.

Federal ministers Ishaq Dar and Zahid Hamid assisted the prime minister and senior PPP leaders, including Khurshid Shah and Mian Raza Rabbani, accompanied Asif Ali Zardari.

Hamid briefed the meeting on the Protection of Pakistan Bill while a member of from the government side, Fawad Hassan Fawad, briefed the PPP delegation on the latest situation in the dialogue with the Talban.

Wednesday’s was one of the very few meetings between the two leaders since Zardari’s departure from the presidency.

It also comes a day after PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar extended his party’s support to the PML-N government against any “undemocratic adventurism”.

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Pakistan

Sharif, Zardari meet today

PPP to be with govt against any ‘adventure’

Irritant in civil-military relations ‘to be overcome’

Nazir

Apr 16, 2014 03:08pm

God knows what they have cooked in this meeting and what new miseries will have to face the common man..

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ishrat salim

Apr 16, 2014 03:18pm

This is a classic case of Dr Jackal & Mr Hyde....not one corruption cases of the past govt are being pursued by the present govt as per their election manifesto.

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Apr 16, 2014 03:25pm

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Masoud

Apr 16, 2014 04:28pm

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, Real Noora Kushti between Bade Bhai & Chote Bhai. It made me remember Habib Jalib's all time famous Ye Jo Das (18) Crore Hain........

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Khanm

Apr 16, 2014 04:29pm

what a credible person to discuss the security issues with, who failed to provide any in his tenure..Folks ...Power is action; the electoral principle is discussion. No political action is possible when discussion is permanently established.

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Shahzad

Apr 16, 2014 04:37pm

I think they must have discussed many issues of mutual interest, like..... 1. Tips to handle courts in Musharraf case to divert attention of public from real issues. 2. Tips by Mr Zardari on opening and filling foreign currency accounts. 3. Mutual efforts to weaken Army which is already demoralized and crumbling. In short, nothing good for this country and people.

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I. Ahmed

Apr 16, 2014 04:48pm

The news is incomplete. Apart from discussions on civil-military relationships, one can assume following would also have been discussed: 1) Distribution of 1.5 billion from KSA based on Charter of Democracy and NRO between Sharif clan and Zardari clan. 2) Final decision on handing over PIA planes to beloved sister of former President. 3) During summer refloating of tender for RPP and role of former PM 4) Role of Bilawal and Hamza in future financial dealings and distributions. 5) Who will own the chak-shahzad property after Musharaf's trial.

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Raja

Apr 16, 2014 04:55pm

When two master mind crooks get together guess what they discuss? their foreign bank accounts?

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Apr 16, 2014 05:42pm

'A picture is worth a thousand words', an illustration of what ails Pakistan.

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Youth

Apr 16, 2014 06:11pm

An attempt to flex muscles together, an attempt to show strength. By the way to whom they want to show their collective strength. Ill timed meeting that will have repercussions. The trial of Musharraf will eat all.

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Sajjad

Apr 16, 2014 06:24pm

I am not a fan of either of these gentlemen but it is good for the political forces of the country to present a united front against any hint of danger to democracy. Let's hope the days of one political party pulling the rug from under another and colluding with dictators are over.

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nisar

Apr 16, 2014 06:30pm

I feel pity for arrogant Nawaz who hasn't learned a lesson from his past dealings. He is probably requesting a very smart politician Zardari to throw him a rope to pull him out of quick sand which has been created by his own talk shows party members. Zardari will watch the show from the sideline as it is his desire to see the demise of PML-N

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Shahpur

Apr 16, 2014 06:44pm

This picture is historical. The looters of the national assets, when the nation is bleeding.

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M. Emad

Apr 16, 2014 06:45pm

Nawaz-Zardari Meeting VS Corps Commander meeting. Democracy VS Dignity.

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US-MAN

Apr 16, 2014 06:51pm

This is not good. Two crooks getting together, no doubt planning how to steal more of Pakistan's money. We don't understand whey these two are not being trial for corruption. Nawaz - your so pathetic, being PM you have NOT ATTENDED ONE SESSION in the Parliament.

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Syed Ahmed

Apr 16, 2014 07:08pm

Let's try and fight the army together. However you scratch my back and I will scratch yours.

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Man from UNCLE

Apr 16, 2014 07:15pm

Nation..........here's your think tanks at work discussing their next act in the circus. These are the protectors of society pounding their head.

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Pragmatist

Apr 16, 2014 07:19pm

The two thieves together. What a scene. The are a disgrace for the country. One wonders if Pakistanis really deserve these criminals to be their rulers. Hazrat Ali once said that the rulers are the mirror of the subjects. Does it mean that Pakistanis in general are no different than Zardari and Nawaz in their affairs. If so then then there is no salvation for this nation.

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Khan Asif

Apr 16, 2014 07:24pm

They discussed the fruits of democracy and call it the best revenge. Also they discussed poverty and alleviation of poor. They also felt happy that their bank accounts in Switzerland are fattening day by day. They also praised Iftikhar Chaudhry and his great services.

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Khan Asif

Apr 16, 2014 07:26pm

@I. Ahmed: Don' worry they will make sure that Hamza and Bilawal are not left even with a single penny in Pak's treasury.

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mjk

Apr 16, 2014 07:48pm

A meeting of brilliant minds whose personal library has one book - a telephone directory .The meeting of dynastic wheeling & dealing politicians, you scrub my back & I will scrub yours.

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Salman

Apr 16, 2014 08:04pm

With so much talent in our country YET these two ******** ruling us what a SHAME

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AKA

Apr 16, 2014 08:24pm

I hope next 5 yrs elections result have not been finalized as was done in previous government tenure.

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Riaz

Apr 16, 2014 08:42pm

To call them LEADERS is an insult to the word LEADERS and other great leaders of the world. These two jokers are not leaders, but they use the country and a financial ladder to climb up their economical gains. God help Pakistan!

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khuma

Apr 16, 2014 09:13pm

@Sajjad: Dictatorship for the welfare of the common man is worthier than the corrupt political leadership which we are experiencing for a longer time.

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khuma

Apr 16, 2014 09:19pm

Guess they have discussed joint venture of gas pipeline and foreign banks accounts and distribution of funds so for managed by the successive state actors.

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Intizar Baig

Apr 16, 2014 09:31pm

@Salman: Come on had there been any talent in this country, these two would have been behind bars.

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malick

Apr 16, 2014 09:40pm

The ex honorable president Zardari holds his dignity and pride. A most valuable, but unlucky disputed person of world. 10-12 years jail, hanging on Cross by ex CJ iftikhar choudhary for 5 years, with his best and sincere team Mr Zardari ruled Paskistan. The only first retired President. Mr sheeer please keep learning. thanx

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Apr 16, 2014 09:49pm

Zardari came to boost PM morale since a lot of gossip taking place about military & civilian govt relation. Bottom line, both Zardari & Nawaz seriously lack leadership skills. A leader Must be visionary & bold who can quickly tackle urgent issues facing the country i.e. terrorism, unemployment, Energy, trade & tour, building of infrastructure & industry. A National Leader is needed to can unite the stakeholders including military toward a common goal of building the country from the bottom up

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S Chaudhury

Apr 16, 2014 11:19pm

Disgraced & shameful faces of Pakistan's politics

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independentthinker

Apr 17, 2014 03:34am

Two wrongs don't make a right! These two can't do anything to better the situation. We have to count on our military to do the job. The military has waited for too long - it is time to take the matter in their own hands.

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Fareed

Apr 17, 2014 03:47am

Though one would not mind dying for the country but it is a hard decision when you look at the leadership provided by MNS & AAZ. Both came back to the country from self imposed exile after political landscape suited them , thanks to abominable, duplicitous gift of NRO provided by a military dictator.

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