LAHORE: Punjab PPP President Qamar Zaman Kaira alleges that the ousted prime minister is working to ignite a clash between institutions.

“Democratic system doesn’t suit Mian Nawaz Sharif and he is attempting to ignite a clash between institutions by directly or indirectly targeting certain quarters,” Mr Kaira said while speaking at a press conference here on Friday.

“Mian Sahib talks of democracy only as a ladder to reach the power corridors but after power he would take steps against democracy.”

But, the PPP leader said, his party won’t allow anyone to endanger democracy.

Responding to a query about nomination of Shahbaz Sharif as PML-N candidate for the prime ministerial slot for the next term of parliament, Mr Kaira said Nawaz Sharif used to play games and time would soon reveal the real purpose behind the nomination.

He recalled that not long ago the N Leaguers would raise slogans of prime minister Maryam Nawaz and now they’re going to chant prime minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Asked if he saw a new NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance signed between ex-army ruler Gen Musharraf and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto) behind the nomination of Shahbaz, he said it would be premature to say anything about this.

Earlier, Pir Masoom Naqvi, chief of his own faction of JUP, called on him and wished his party would join hands with the PPP in the next election.

Mr Kaira told him the suggestion would be conveyed to the party high-ups.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2017