Do not see Nawaz or Sharif family in politics in future: Asif Zardari

Published August 17, 2017
Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto address a press conference at Bilawal House in Bahria Town, Lahore on August 17. —DawnNews
Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto address a press conference at Bilawal House in Bahria Town, Lahore on August 17. —DawnNews

Former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari said that he doesn't see Nawaz Sharif or his family playing an important role in Pakistan's politics in the future.

He was speaking at a press conference alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto in Lahore on Thursday.

"People are under the false impression that PPP supported Nawaz Sharif in the past, whereas we had actually supported democracy. But currently, there is no threat to democracy," Zardari said, dismissing the notion that the ousted prime minister would get any support from him.

Clarifying his earlier statement about not having any relations with Nawaz, Zardari said that the two had maintained contact when he was in the United States and Nawaz was in exile, but they have not been in touch since then.

He also dismissed forming an alliance with any political party, including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, with elections around the corner. He hoped that his party would perform better in the upcoming NA-120 elections and the general elections in Punjab, saying party workers and candidates will find motivation from Zardari and Bilawal's presence in Lahore.

"If the Sharif family expects a relief from the PPP, they will not get it," added Bilawal Bhutto, who had also ruled out any support for the Sharifs earlier this week.

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