Zardari_670_2
President Asif Ali Zardari. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari’s longest sojourn outside the presidency ended on Tuesday when he returned to Islamabad after spending 49 days either abroad or in Sindh.

“The president has reached Islamabad,” his spokesman Farhatullah Babar told Dawn. He will leave for Lahore soon to meet opposition PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind to offer condolences on the recent death of his brother Abbas Sharif.

“According to the schedule, the president was to visit Raiwind on Tuesday but he changed his mind. He is expected to visit Lahore soon,” the spokesman said.

A source in the ruling PPP said the president would stay in Lahore for a few days to consult party leaders and coalition partners on the issue of a new province to be carved out in Punjab. He will also take up the issue with Mr Sharif during his visit to Raiwind.

On Monday, the president spent his 49th day outside the presidency.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...